flattering
adjective
flat·ter·ing
ˈfla-tər-iŋ 
1
: marked by flattery: such as
a
: showing or expressing gratifying respect or admiration
a flattering comparison
His colleagues might have disowned him, but they didn't receive flattering invitations to speak all over the country and to write for The New York Times.—
Richard Dawkins
Richard Dawkins
b
: excessively or insincerely complimentary
… a steady stream of ham actors, all of whom were welcomed with flattering speeches.—H. L. Mencken
H. L. Mencken2
: helping to enhance attractiveness
a necktie in a flattering color
… dictating the most flattering camera angles.—David Margolick
David MargolickThe gowns were indeed smashing: smart, sexy, eye-catching, and very, very flattering.—The New Yorker
The New Yorker
flatteringly
adverb
The so-called Generation X has been described by some—not flatteringly—as a scavenger culture that gathers music, art and fashions from recent past generations rather than creating its own.
—Steve Hochman
Steve Hochman
Her upper body is all besuited business—the black jacket, the white blouse reflecting flatteringly on the face, the understated silver choker and earrings, the burnished brown bob.
—Rebecca Mead
Rebecca Mead
Examples of flattering in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But as the category has skyrocketed in recent years, with a bevy of brands helping both celebrities and regular people cut their most flattering figure, well, people are noticing.
—Paul Schrodt, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 May 2024
The idea that my facility with English might be weakening brought up complicated feelings, some more flattering than others.
—Madeleine Schwartz Soneela Nankani Tanya Pérez Brian St. Pierre, New York Times, 14 May 2024
Wear the flattering top tucked in with skirts or un-tucked with jeans.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 14 May 2024
Designed for tennis, the skort is made from smooth, sweat-wicking fabric and has a thick, stretchy waistband for a flattering fit.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 14 May 2024
Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara Double Ruffle Convertible Neck Maxi Dress
Off-the-shoulder necklines are always flattering; this one is convertible, so it can also be worn with the straps on tank top style.
—Ali Faccenda, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2024
What began as a collection of undergarments designed to give women a more flattering, contoured silhouette has swelled into a comprehensive apparel giant: There’s underwear, bras, swimwear, dresses, tees and tanks, loungewear and pajamas.
—Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2024
When combined these all of the elements of Russell’s look are deeply flattering.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 May 2024
At the start of the season Penelope gives herself a makeover, spending all that Lady Whistledown money on clothes in more flattering shades.
—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 3 May 2024
Paul Schrodt, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 May 2024
The idea that my facility with English might be weakening brought up complicated feelings, some more flattering than others.
—Madeleine Schwartz Soneela Nankani Tanya Pérez Brian St. Pierre, New York Times, 14 May 2024
Wear the flattering top tucked in with skirts or un-tucked with jeans.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 14 May 2024
Designed for tennis, the skort is made from smooth, sweat-wicking fabric and has a thick, stretchy waistband for a flattering fit.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 14 May 2024
Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara Double Ruffle Convertible Neck Maxi Dress
Off-the-shoulder necklines are always flattering; this one is convertible, so it can also be worn with the straps on tank top style.
—Ali Faccenda, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2024
What began as a collection of undergarments designed to give women a more flattering, contoured silhouette has swelled into a comprehensive apparel giant: There’s underwear, bras, swimwear, dresses, tees and tanks, loungewear and pajamas.
—Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2024
When combined these all of the elements of Russell’s look are deeply flattering.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 May 2024
At the start of the season Penelope gives herself a makeover, spending all that Lady Whistledown money on clothes in more flattering shades.
—Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 3 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flattering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near flattering
Cite this Entry
“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattering. Accessed 18 May. 2024.
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