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