Sycophant
noun
A person who praises and serves someone else with the hopes of getting something in return.
He was a sycophant, continually flattering the boss in hopes of a promotion.
Often appears as...
- blatant sycophant
- self-serving sycophant
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A person who praises and serves someone else with the hopes of getting something in return.
He was a sycophant, continually flattering the boss in hopes of a promotion.
Often appears as...
- blatant sycophant
- self-serving sycophant
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Sycophant has a negative tone, suggesting dishonest flattery, not genuine praise.
Avoid being seen as a sycophant—compliments should feel sincere, not self-serving.
Pro Tip 2/3Sycophancy Consequences
Others might distrust a sycophant, thinking they're willing to deceive for personal gain.
His sycophant behavior made colleagues question his intentions.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Sycophants are often associated with people in power; 'brown-nosing' those higher up.
She acted like a sycophant, laughing at every joke the director made.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Sycophant has a negative tone, suggesting dishonest flattery, not genuine praise.
Avoid being seen as a sycophant—compliments should feel sincere, not self-serving.
Pro Tip 2/3Sycophancy Consequences
Others might distrust a sycophant, thinking they're willing to deceive for personal gain.
His sycophant behavior made colleagues question his intentions.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Sycophants are often associated with people in power; 'brown-nosing' those higher up.
She acted like a sycophant, laughing at every joke the director made.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Sycophant has a negative tone, suggesting dishonest flattery, not genuine praise.
Avoid being seen as a sycophant—compliments should feel sincere, not self-serving.
Pro Tip 2/3Sycophancy Consequences
Others might distrust a sycophant, thinking they're willing to deceive for personal gain.
His sycophant behavior made colleagues question his intentions.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
Sycophants are often associated with people in power; 'brown-nosing' those higher up.
She acted like a sycophant, laughing at every joke the director made.
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Quote examples
Ari Shaffir
American Comedian
I have a running daydream about winning an Oscar and giving my speech about how ridiculous it is to rank art. And then I'd call them all sycophants and leave the statue at the podium as I walked away.
Quote examples
Richard Jefferies
English Writer
Some, I verily believe, delight to be slave-men; it is a joy to them, and they would not change their condition; not only miserable village wretches, but men in good position, well-to-do sycophants.
Quote examples
Penny Junor
English Journalist
I have watched people around members of the royal family for a long time now, and something very strange happens to them. They turn into sycophants.
Quote examples
Brianna Keilar
Australian Journalist
Well, Dr. Siegel is more of a sycophant than a doctor. And he's not President Trump's coronavirus guide.' President Trump appears to be his.
Quote examples
Tahl Raz
American Journalist
Schmoozers are brownnosers, sycophants more suited to middle management than to the Wild West of the entrepreneurial world.
Quote examples
Rush Limbaugh
American Entertainer
The journalists are so devoted to Obama. They are such sycophants that they're worried about access.
Quote examples
Stephen Moore
American Writer
I don't think anybody can reasonably say I am a sycophant for Trump, because I'm not.
Quote examples
Kathleen Winsor
American Author
The king appeared... with his dogs and sycophants behind him.
Quote examples
Benjamin F. Wade
American Politician
Sir, I am no sycophant or worshipper of power anywhere.
Quote examples
Sharad Pawar
Indian Politician
The AICC is full of sycophants, nothing else.
Quote examples
Ari Shaffir
American Comedian
I have a running daydream about winning an Oscar and giving my speech about how ridiculous it is to rank art. And then I'd call them all sycophants and leave the statue at the podium as I walked away.
Quote examples
Richard Jefferies
English Writer
Some, I verily believe, delight to be slave-men; it is a joy to them, and they would not change their condition; not only miserable village wretches, but men in good position, well-to-do sycophants.
Quote examples
Penny Junor
English Journalist
I have watched people around members of the royal family for a long time now, and something very strange happens to them. They turn into sycophants.
Quote examples
Brianna Keilar
Australian Journalist
Well, Dr. Siegel is more of a sycophant than a doctor. And he's not President Trump's coronavirus guide.' President Trump appears to be his.
Quote examples
Tahl Raz
American Journalist
Schmoozers are brownnosers, sycophants more suited to middle management than to the Wild West of the entrepreneurial world.
Quote examples
Rush Limbaugh
American Entertainer
The journalists are so devoted to Obama. They are such sycophants that they're worried about access.
Quote examples
Stephen Moore
American Writer
I don't think anybody can reasonably say I am a sycophant for Trump, because I'm not.
Quote examples
Kathleen Winsor
American Author
The king appeared... with his dogs and sycophants behind him.
Quote examples
Benjamin F. Wade
American Politician
Sir, I am no sycophant or worshipper of power anywhere.
Quote examples
Sharad Pawar
Indian Politician
The AICC is full of sycophants, nothing else.
Example 1 of 10
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