sycophant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sycophant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a person who behaves obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage. For example, you might say: "The mayor of our town has surrounded himself with sycophants who flatter him in order to gain favors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Despite relying on the well-to-do for commissions, he was no obliging sycophant and depicted the character of his sitter as he perceived it.

The Economist

For years, Boswell was considered a fool, a nincompoop, a fawning sycophant who, by chance, had produced a masterpiece.

The Economist

He was a parasite without servility, a sycophant without baseness, a shrewd schemer who was also a blunderer, and a sinner whose errors were, as one close to him observed, "full of wisdom".

Encyclopedia Britannica

So anyone stupid enough to call our Tom a sycophant can jolly well put that in their pipe and smoke it!

Independent

His death led to a change of leadership, as the pro-Roman Callicrates (regarded by Polybius as a sycophant) began a policy of obeying Rome's every wish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

" 'Damn your name, Arab agent,' 'Go be President in Gaza,'disgustingng sycophant,'rottenen filth,'lowestst of the low,'traitoror,'Presidentnt of Hezbollah.' These are just a few of the things that have been said to me in the wake of events I've attended and speeches I've made.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mr Mugabe, sycophant-surrounded and with his own foreign-currency wallet, is short of neither bread nor baubles, and may do the same.

The Economist

If you don't enjoy seeing celebrities dressed in their finery braying "look at me, LOOK AT ME!"  whilst flicking their hair and sycophant-ing all over each other ad nauseum, then the Emmys, Oscars, Grammys etc are not the shows for you.

Independent

Pence has taken care to appear extraordinarily loyal to Trump, so much so that Joel K. Goldstein, a historian and an expert on Vice-Presidents who teaches law at St .Louis University, refers to him as the "Sycophant-in-Chief".

The New Yorker

It's a brilliant self-mythologizing, sycophant-mocking, scold-scalding piece of writing, which begins, "SIKKEMA JENKINS AND CO.

The New Yorker

Surrounded by sycophants, he is out of touch.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sycophant" when you want to express disdain for someone who uses flattery and subservience to gain favor. It is especially effective when describing a person's motivations as self-serving.

Common error

Be careful not to label someone a "sycophant" simply because they express agreement or admiration. The term implies a calculated and insincere motive for personal gain, not just simple agreement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sycophant" is as a noun, referring to a person who attempts to win favor from wealthy or influential people by flattering them. As seen in Ludwig, this term often carries a negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sycophant" is a noun used to describe someone who uses flattery to gain favor from those in power. Ludwig confirms the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its usage is common, particularly in news and media, and it often carries a negative connotation, expressing criticism or disapproval. When using "sycophant", ensure the context implies insincerity and a motive for personal gain, differentiating it from genuine admiration or support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flatterer

Focuses specifically on the act of giving excessive compliments.

toady

Emphasizes servile behavior and eagerness to please.

yes-man

Highlights uncritical agreement with a superior.

brown-noser

An informal term for someone who tries to gain favor by flattering superiors.

lackey

Implies a subservient role and willingness to carry out orders.

bootlicker

Suggests extreme servility and obsequiousness.

fawner

Highlights the act of seeking attention through exaggerated affection or praise.

apple-polisher

An informal term for someone who tries to gain favor by flattery.

courtier

Implies someone who attends a royal court and seeks favor through flattery or service.

hanger-on

Suggests someone who associates with influential people for personal gain.

FAQs

How to use "sycophant" in a sentence?

You can use "sycophant" to describe someone who uses flattery to gain favor, as in "The manager was surrounded by "sycophants" who constantly praised his decisions.".

What can I say instead of "sycophant"?

You can use alternatives like "flatterer", "toady", or "yes-man", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "sycophant" and "supporter"?

"Sycophant" implies insincere flattery for personal gain, while "supporter" simply means someone who backs or advocates for a cause or person. A supporter's motives are generally perceived as genuine, unlike a sycophant's.

Is it correct to call someone a "sycophant" if they genuinely agree with someone in power?

No, the term "sycophant" suggests that the person is not genuinely expressing their own opinion but rather trying to ingratiate themselves with someone for personal advantage. It implies insincerity.