Words / C2

SIK-uh-fant/ˈsɪkəfænt/

A sycophant praises the powerful in order to gain advantage — a flatterer with a motive. Fan is innocent; yes-man is the informal cousin. Sycophantic is the adjective. Contrast obsequious (the manner of fawning) with sycophant (the person who hopes to profit). In speech, crawler or yes-man is more natural; sycophant is a cold, written insult. Do not use it for genuine respect.

Meaning

A person who praises powerful people in order to gain advantage.

Examples

• “He surrounded himself with sycophants.”
• “The minister’s circle had no critics, only sycophants.”
• “Sycophantic laughter met every weak joke from the chair.”

Good to know

Flatterer for gain. Adjective: sycophantic. Everyday: yes-man. Related manner: obsequious.

Near in meaning

flatterer

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