to praise someone in a way that is not sincere, usually to get something from them, to make someone look or feel more attractive or better than usual, to please or satisfy someone's ego or vanity

flatter oneself, flattery will get you nowhere, fish for compliments

Formal and Informal Expressions of flatter

In different contexts, you can replace 'flatter' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'compliment, praise' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'butter up, suck up to' is a commonplace synonym.

flatter: Explore its Definition & Usage

flatter Definition

1to praise someone in a way that is not sincere, usually to get something from them
2to make someone look or feel more attractive or better than usual
3to please or satisfy someone's ego or vanity

Using flatter: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "flatter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He flattered her with compliments to get her to do what he wanted.
Example
The dress flatters her figure.
Example
The chef was flattered by the positive review of his restaurant.

flatter Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for flatter

Antonyms for flatter

Phrases with flatter

flatter oneself
to believe something positive about oneself that may not be true
Example
She flattered herself that she was the best candidate for the job.
flattery will get you nowhere
saying nice things to someone will not make them do what you want if they don't want to
Example
He tried to flatter his boss into giving him a raise, but she refused. Flattery will get you nowhere.
fish for compliments
to try to get someone to say nice things about you
Example
She was fishing for compliments about her new haircut.

Origins of flatter

from Old French 'flater', meaning 'to smooth, stroke'

📌

Summary: flatter in Brief

To 'flatter' [ˈflætər] someone is to praise insincerely, often to gain something in return. It can also mean to make someone look or feel better than usual. Examples include 'He flattered her with compliments to get her to do what he wanted.' and 'The dress flatters her figure.' Phrases like 'flattery will get you nowhere' and 'fish for compliments' are also common.