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
Being genuinely interested in a country, its people, its culture and everyday life is one of the most flattering ways to show respect and connect with a community.
—Cnn.com, The Mercury News, 1 July 2024
The shape is super flattering on almost every face shape, especially those with rounder features.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 27 June 2024
The ribbed fabric and color-block design feel classic, and the pleated A-line skirt brings a flattering touch.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2024
Made of stretchy silk jersey with a v-neckline, a tie waist, and a skirt that hit just below the knee, DVF’s wrap dress was comfortable, lightweight, and universally flattering—a stark contrast to the restrictive clothing and masculine suiting often expected of women in the workforce.
—Cady Lang, TIME, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for flattering 
Cnn.com, The Mercury News, 1 July 2024
The shape is super flattering on almost every face shape, especially those with rounder features.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 27 June 2024
The ribbed fabric and color-block design feel classic, and the pleated A-line skirt brings a flattering touch.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2024
Made of stretchy silk jersey with a v-neckline, a tie waist, and a skirt that hit just below the knee, DVF’s wrap dress was comfortable, lightweight, and universally flattering—a stark contrast to the restrictive clothing and masculine suiting often expected of women in the workforce.
—Cady Lang, TIME, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for flattering
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 7 Jul. 2024.
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