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sycophant

[ˈsɪkəfant]

sycophant Definition

  • 1a person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage
  • 2a person who flatters others for self-serving reasons

Using sycophant: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sycophant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was accused of being a sycophant by his colleagues.

  • Example

    The politician surrounded himself with sycophants who would do anything to please him.

  • Example

    She was tired of the sycophants who only wanted to be friends with her because of her wealth.

sycophant Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sycophant

Antonyms for sycophant

Idioms Using sycophant

  • to act in a sycophantic manner towards someone in authority

    Example

    He was always kicking up to the boss, hoping for a promotion.

  • brown-nose

    to behave in a sycophantic manner towards someone in order to gain favor or advantage

    Example

    He was always brown-nosing the teacher, hoping for a better grade.

  • apple-polish

    to behave in a sycophantic manner towards someone in order to gain favor or advantage

    Example

    She was always apple-polishing the boss, hoping for a promotion.

Phrases with sycophant

  • behavior that is characterized by flattery or fawning

    Example

    His sycophantic behavior towards his boss was obvious to everyone in the office.

  • praise that is insincere and given only to gain favor or advantage

    Example

    The author's sycophantic praise of the politician's book was seen as an attempt to gain political favor.

  • an attitude of flattery or subservience towards someone in authority

    Example

    Her sycophantic attitude towards her boss made her unpopular with her colleagues.

Origins of sycophant

from Greek 'sukophantes', meaning 'one who shows the fig'

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Summary: sycophant in Brief

'Sycophant' [ˈsɪkəfant] refers to a person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage. It can also refer to a person who flatters others for self-serving reasons. Examples include 'He was accused of being a sycophant by his colleagues.' and 'The politician surrounded himself with sycophants who would do anything to please him.' Phrases like 'sycophantic behavior' and idioms like 'brown-nose' denote insincere flattery or subservience.