What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pleaser
Example
She's such a pleaser, always trying to make everyone happy. [pleaser: noun]
Example
He's a people pleaser, he'll do anything to avoid conflict. [people pleaser: compound noun]
sycophant
Example
He's such a sycophant, always flattering the boss to get ahead. [sycophant: noun]
Example
She's a shameless sycophant, always sucking up to those in power. [sycophant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pleaser is a more common word than sycophant in everyday language. Pleaser is a positive trait that many people aspire to have, while sycophant has a negative connotation and is not a desirable trait.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pleaser and sycophant?
Both pleaser and sycophant can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, sycophant is more likely to be used in formal settings where power dynamics are at play, while pleaser is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
