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Antonyms for adulatory


Grammar : Adj
Spell : aj-uh-ley-shuh n
Phonetic Transcription : ˌædʒ əˈleɪ ʃən



Definition of adulatory

Origin :
  • late 14c., "insincere praise," from Old French adulacion, from Latin adulationem (nominative adulatio) "a fawning; flattery, cringing courtesy," noun of action from past participle stem of aduliari "to flatter," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + ulos "tail," from PIE *ul- "the tail" (cf. Sanskrit valah "tail," Lithuanian valai "horsehair of the tail"). The original notion is "to wag the tail" like a fawning dog (cf. Greek sainein "to wag the tail," also "to flatter;" see also wheedle).
  • As in laudatory : adj complimentary
  • As in complimentary : adj flattering
  • As in courtly : adj refined manner
  • As in fawning : adj deferential, groveling
  • As in fulsome : adj sickening or excessive behavior
  • As in glowing : adj very happy, enthusiastic
Example sentences :
  • These verses have been disparaged as too adulatory in their tone.
  • Extract from : « The Oxford Reformers » by Frederic Seebohm
  • A murmur of adulatory incredulity arose from the group of courtiers.
  • Extract from : « The Vicomte de Bragelonne » by Alexandre Dumas
  • The adulatory phrases used as mere conventionalities seemed to have actually turned his head.
  • Extract from : « Charles the Bold » by Ruth Putnam
  • Although not handsome, his face called for an adulatory responsiveness on the part of those who came in contact with him.
  • Extract from : « Edith and John » by Franklin S. Farquhar
  • Demochares, then, has said all this about the adulatory spirit and conduct of the Athenians.
  • Extract from : « The Deipnosophists, or Banquet of the Learned of Athenus » by Athenus
  • If they seem to us to-day flattering not to say adulatory, it must be remembered that such was the mode.
  • Extract from : « The Complete Poems of Sir John Davies. Volume 1 of 2. » by John Davies
  • He was then publishing his 'Typhon, or the Gigantomachy,' and dedicated it to the cardinal, with an adulatory sonnet.
  • Extract from : « The Wits and Beaux of Society » by Grace Wharton and Philip Wharton
  • This well-authenticated anecdote has been told by writers who expressed the most adulatory sentiments towards the present Czar.
  • Extract from : « The Contemporary Review, Volume 36, September 1879 » by Various
  • The young poet wrote a most adulatory composition to the Regent, setting forth his innocence.
  • Extract from : « Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great Philosophers, Volume 8 » by Elbert Hubbard
  • They hurled flowers and adulatory speeches at Ludovick and composed extremely flattering songs about him.
  • Extract from : « The Blue Tower » by Evelyn E. Smith

Synonyms for adulatory

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019