ingratiating

adjective

in·​gra·​ti·​at·​ing in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌā-tiŋ How to pronounce ingratiating (audio)
Synonyms of ingratiating
1
: intended or adopted in order to gain favor : flattering
2
: capable of winning favor : pleasing
an ingratiating smile
ingratiatingly
in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌā-tiŋ-lē How to pronounce ingratiating (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of ingratiating

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Examples of ingratiating in a Sentence

one of the orphans had a most ingratiating smile
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Edward Hoke is an ingratiating, appropriately annoying and attractive Blaze. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026 Jehosheba’s mother has her daughter recite an ingratiating thank-you speech to the Aunts. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026 Sweeney stars as Penny Jo, a South Dakota diner waitress with an appealing smile, an ingratiating stammer, a scarf in her hair, and deep reserves of ruthless ambition. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025 Still, on a moment-to-moment basis, the film has tension, strong character dynamics and sharp individual portraits whose astringency gets alleviated by Gottsagen and James’ more ingratiating turns. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingratiating

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ingratiating was in 1655

Rhymes for ingratiating

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Browse Nearby Words

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ingratiating
ingratiatingly
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Cite this Entry

“Ingratiating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingratiating. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ingratiating

adjective
in·​gra·​ti·​at·​ing
in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌāt-iŋ
1
: pleasing
an ingratiating smile
2
: intended to gain favor
ingratiating manners
ingratiatingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ingratiating

Nglish: Translation of ingratiating for Spanish Speakers

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