fulsome
3
9.3
- adjective
- /ˈfʊlsəm/
- Formal
- The review was filled with fulsome praise that seemed insincere and exaggerated.
- fulsome praise
Examples
-
Indeed, official praise of the innate talents of Tibetans is fulsome.
Academic text (1997) -
"I was a little curious about his fulsome praise for von Lutzenberger," he said.
Fiction book (2000) -
I gather some of your closest advisers were less fulsome in their support.
-
If I were Obama, I wouldn't be too fulsome in my thanks for this endorsement.
Blog text (21) -
Especially during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, many emigrants were fulsome in praise of America.
Academic text (1990) -
We are told that ordinary Byzantines idolized their emperors and took the fulsome panegyrics of the court very seriously.
Academic text (1997) -
Dixon's speeches were characteristically patronizing, fulsome, and oblique.
Academic text (2002) -
While due allowance must be made for the fulsome nature of obituaries, some commentaries amounted to unrestrained exaggerations.
Academic text (2004) -
His fulsome compliments made her feel uncomfortable during the meeting.
-
Despite the fulsome expressions of gratitude, many felt she was only seeking attention.
Synonyms
47
4.2
Giving praise that is too much and not sincere to gain someone's favor
12
8.1
Too polite and friendly in a way that does not seem real
6
8.2
Too sweet or emotional in a way that makes you feel sick
6
6.7
Too smooth and pleasant in a way that seems false
3
9.7
A person who gives too many fake compliments to try to please people
3
7.1
Trying to please others with smooth words that are not sincere
1
7.9
Talking in a smooth, not sincere way to seem friendly
1
9.1
Giving much praise that does not seem honest
1
9.9
Too smooth and friendly in a fake, unpleasant way
Antonyms
How Flattering
Surface Forms
Etymology
Fulsome comes from the old word full, which meant 'abundant' or 'plenty'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of praise that is 'too full' — when words are too much they feel 'excessive' and 'not sincere', so fulsome now usually means overly flattering or insincere.