Adulatory
hardNegative toneAJ-uh-luh-tor-ee
adjective
Definition
Excessively praising or admiring; fawning
Memory hook
ADULT-atory: adults flattering their boss excessively to get a promotion.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The adulatory biography failed to mention any of the leader's flaws.”
“Critics dismissed the review as adulatory rather than objective.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ biography failed to mention any of the leader's flaws.”
Show answer
adulatory
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Adulatory is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "fawning" or "sycophantic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "critical".
Related GRE Words
ingratiating
Intended to gain approval or favor; sycophantic
servile
Having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others
obsequious
Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
unctuous
Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily
adulation
Excessive admiration or praise
fawning
Displaying exaggerated flattery or affection; obsequious
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