the act of flattering.

a flattering compliment or speech; excessive, insincere praise.

noun

belittlement , castigation , condemnation , criticism , denunciation , insult , offense

noun

adulation , applause , approbation , blandishment , blarney * , bootlicking , cajolery , commendation , encomium , eulogy , eyewash , fawning * , flattering , flummery , fulsomeness , gallantry , gratification , hokum , honeyed words , incense , ingratiation , jive * , laud , mush * , obsequiousness , palaver , plaudits , pretty speech , puffery * , servility , smoke * , snow * , snow job * , soft-soap , soft words , stroke * , sweet talk * , sycophancy , toadyism , tribute , truckling , unctuousness , blarney , oil , slaver , blandiloquence , bosh , butter , compliment , gloze , praise , puffery , salve , snow job , taffy , wheedling