What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sycophancy
Example
The politician was accused of sycophancy for constantly praising the president. [sycophancy: noun]
Example
She engaged in sycophantic behavior to get a promotion at work. [sycophantic: adjective]
adulation
Example
The celebrity received adulation from her fans wherever she went. [adulation: noun]
Example
He was uncomfortable with the adulatory attention he received after winning the award. [adulatory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adulation is more commonly used than sycophancy in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sycophancy and adulation?
Sycophancy is more formal than adulation, and is typically used in more serious or academic contexts.
