Meaning & use
sycophancy
Last updated
Excessive flattery or obsequious behavior toward someone in order to gain their favor.
See it in a sentence
His sycophancy toward the boss earned him a promotion he hadn't really earned.
The courtiers' sycophancy made it hard for the king to hear honest criticism.
A note on using this word
Almost always used critically, implying insincerity rather than genuine respect or praise.
Words with a similar meaning
flatterytoadyism
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
honestycandor
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