Synonyms for flattery
ˈflæt ə riflat·te·ry

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:4.0 / 1 vote

1. flattery

   Praise is the hearty approval of an individual, or of a number or multitude considered individually, and is expressed by spoken or written words; applause, the spontaneous outburst of many at once. Applause is expressed in any way, by stamping of feet, clapping of hands, waving of handkerchiefs, etc., as well as by the voice; acclamation is the spontaneous and hearty approval of many at once, and strictly by the voice alone. Thus one is chosen moderator by acclamation when he receives a unanimous viva voce vote; we could not say he was nominated by applause. Acclaim is the more poetic term for acclamation, commonly understood in a loftier sense; as, a nation's acclaim. Plaudit is a shout of applause, and is commonly used in the plural; as, the plaudits of a throng. Applause is also used in the general sense of praise. Approbation is a milder and more qualified word than praise; while praise is always uttered, approbation may be silent. "Approbation speaks of the thing or action.... Praise is always personal." A. W. and J. C. Hare Guesses at Truth first series, p. 549. [Macmillan & Co. '66.] Acceptance refers to an object or action; approbation may refer to character or natural traits. Approval always supposes a testing or careful examination, and frequently implies official sanction; approbation may be upon a general view. The industry and intelligence of a clerk win his employer's approbation; his decision in a special instance receives his approval. Praise is always understood as genuine and sincere, unless the contrary is expressly stated; compliment is a light form of praise that may or may not be sincere; flattery is insincere and ordinarily fulsome praise.

   Synonyms:
   acclaim, acclamation, adulation, applause, approbation, approval, cheering, cheers, compliment, encomium, eulogy, laudation, panegyric, plaudit, praise, sycophancy

   Antonyms:
   abuse, animadversion, blame, censure, condemnation, contempt, denunciation, disapprobation, disapproval, disparagement, hissing, ignominy, obloquy, reproach, reproof, repudiation, scorn, slander, vilification, vituperation

Princeton's WordNet

1. flatterynoun

   excessive or insincere praise

Matched Categories

1. • Compliment

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. flatterynoun

   Synonyms:
   compliment, insincere commendation, false praise

2. flatterynoun

   Synonyms:
   obsequiousness, sycophancy, servility, cajolery, fawning, adulation, blarney, SOFT SAWDER, SOFT SOAP

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. flatterynoun

   Synonyms:
   adulation, blandishment, wheedling, flummery, blandiloquence, cajolery

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How to use flattery in a sentence?

1. Josh Billings:

   Flattery is like cologne water, to be smelt of, not swallowed.

2. William C. Bagley:

   When will the public cease to insult the teacher's calling with empty flattery When will men who would never for a moment encourage their own sons to enter the work of the public schools cease to tell us that education is the greatest and noblest of all human callings

3. Minna Antrim:

   Between flattery and admiration there often flows a river of contempt.

4. Sir Richard Steele:

   Whenever you commend, add your reasons for doing so it is this which distinguishes the approbation of a man of sense from the flattery of sycophants and admiration of fools.

5. Aristotle:

   No man of high and generous spirit is ever willing to indulge in flattery; the good may feel affection for others, but will not flatter them.