ingratiating 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌā-tiŋ How to pronounce ingratiating (audio)
Definition of ingratiatingnext
as in charming
likely or intended to win one's affection one of the orphans had a most ingratiating smile

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ingratiating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of ingratiate
as in comforting
often disapproving to gain favor or approval for (yourself) by doing or saying things that people like She has tried to ingratiate herself with voters by promising a tax cut.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ingratiating
Adjective
Smith’s tone was self-conscious and ingratiating—at times, obsequious. — Sam Adler-Bell, The New Republic, 7 Mar. 2022 So Nachminovitch and her workers are unfailingly polite and ingratiating, even when confronting the obstinate, the ignorant, the hostile, the unapologetically inhumane. — Gene Weingarten, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2021
Verb
Patrick, meanwhile, begins ingratiating himself with the neighbors and with Alice, and later Margot. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The shot was redirected home by Marchment, ingratiating him with his new chums. — Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingratiating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingratiating
  1. charming
  2. comforting
  3. adorable
  4. appeasing
  5. consoling
Adjective
  • The house is about nine miles from Shrewsbury, putting it close to the charming market town’s restaurants and shops, with London reachable in under three hours.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Cook will play Elias Clarke, who is handsome, charming, and quietly persuasive.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of charming
Verb
  • The formula is thick but non-greasy, and coats skin in comforting moisture that leaves you hydrated for hours.
    — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Keeley’s problems draw in Rebecca, who spends time comforting her — which leads to Rebecca missing yet another date.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of comforting
Adjective
  • Heading Straight To The Store A shopping trip is certainly the easiest part of a home project, especially with so many adorable storage organizers on the market.
    — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026
  • While your pup is adorable, vet visits, grooming, dog food, toys and other everyday costs can add up quickly.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of adorable
Verb
  • While this might sound appeasing to some, the Big Ten is not onboard with this idea, sources told OutKick-FOX News and others.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Interest—from both visitors and islanders—is gently shifting away from polishing playboy yachts or appeasing the decadent whims of retirees, to something, well, more real.
    — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
Definition of appeasing
Verb
  • The trailer has shots of medical staff treating screaming and severely injured patients, performing chest compressions and Robby consoling a grieving family member who received some tragic news.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of consoling Messi, his Argentine teammates were embroiled in a brawl.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of consoling

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Cite this Entry

“Ingratiating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingratiating. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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