What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brownnoser
Example
He is such a brownnoser, always complimenting the boss to get ahead. [brownnoser: noun]
Example
She was accused of brownnosing the teacher by always volunteering to do extra work. [brownnosing: verb]
sycophant
Example
He is a sycophant who will do anything to get ahead in his career. [sycophant: noun]
Example
She always acts like a sycophant, constantly praising her superiors to gain their favor. [sycophantic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brownnoser is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in informal settings or conversations. On the other hand, sycophant is less frequently used but is still understood by most English speakers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brownnoser and sycophant?
While brownnoser is considered less formal and may be seen as a slang term, sycophant is more widely recognized and accepted in formal writing and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
