Search Dictionary
Definition of ingratiate

ingratiate

/ɪnˈɡreɪ.ʃi.eɪt/
in · gra · ti · ate
Adverb:ingratiatingly
•
Adjective:ingratiating
•
Past Simple:ingratiated
•
Past Participle:ingratiated
•
Present Participle:ingratiating
JUMP TO:

ingratiate Lexical Profile

ingratiate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them (used with a reflexive pronoun).

Example

"The new intern tried to ingratiate himself with the senior partners by volunteering for every weekend project."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ingratiate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ingratiate

Word Nuance & Usage

"Ingratiate" is almost always used reflexively with "with" (e.g., "to ingratiate oneself with someone") and carries a slightly pejorative connotation of calculated or insincere flattery.

• Rhymes for ingratiate

• Nearby Words

ingrain
ingrained
ingrate
ingratiate
ingratiatingly
ingratitude
ingredient

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Italian "ingraziare", derived from the Latin phrase "in gratiam" meaning "into favor" (from "gratia", meaning "grace" or "favor").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ingratiate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ingratiate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.