Flatterer: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in general situations to describe someone who gives excessive compliments, often insincerely, to gain favor or advantage.

• She knew he was a flatterer, always trying to win her approval with sweet words

Carries a negative connotation, describing someone who excessively flatters or behaves obsequiously towards someone important to gain advantage.

• The office was full of sycophants who would agree with everything the CEO said in order to stay in his good graces

Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a person who excessively admires or praises someone more powerful.

• The adulator couldn't stop singing the praises of his boss, hoping for a promotion

Describes someone who is very persuasive and charming in speech, often with the intent to deceive or manipulate.

• Beware of Jake; he's a smooth talker and can convince anyone to do whatever he wants

A person who praises someone else excessively, often for personal gain. This term can be used in both positive and neutral situations but can also have a slightly negative connotation depending on context.

• She is such a flatterer; she always knows the right things to say to make you feel special.
• He's known as a flatterer at work, always complimenting the boss in meetings.

A person who acts in an overly flattering or sycophantic way, especially to gain advantage or favor from someone in authority. This term is informal and also carries a negative connotation.

• Stop being such a brownnoser and just do your job!
• Everyone in the office knows he's a brownnoser, always agreeing with the boss no matter what he says.

A person who behaves in a servile or obsequious manner, showing excessive eagerness to please someone in power. This term has a strong negative connotation and implies a lack of integrity.

• He's the worst kind of bootlicker, always sucking up to the higher-ups no matter what they do.
• Nobody respects a bootlicker; it’s obvious they are just trying to get ahead.

A person who flatters or behaves obsequiously to gain favor, usually in a context where the flattery is obvious and seen as insincere. This term is often used in a school or academic setting and has a negative connotation.

• He's such an apple-polisher, always bringing gifts to the teacher.
• No one likes an apple-polisher; it’s clear they are just trying to get better grades.