sycophancy

noun

sy·​co·​phan·​cy ˈsi-kə-fən(t)-sē How to pronounce sycophancy (audio)
 also  ˈsī-,
-ˌfan(t)-
: obsequious flattery
also : the character or behavior of a sycophant

Examples of sycophancy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other tests showed that models can show what’s called a sycophancy bias — the tendency of an LLM to backpedal on a correct answer to please the user. Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 Yeah, there is nothing but sycophancy and repulsing his enemies. Leah Feiger, WIRED, 19 Sep. 2024 But what is truly new here—at least in U.S. history—is the centralized system of sycophancy these corporations have constructed. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024 If sycophancy is the measure, Vance is clearly the leading contestant. Dana Milbank, Washington Post, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for sycophancy 

Word History

Etymology

sycophan(t) + -cy, after Latin sȳcophantia, borrowed from Greek sȳkophantía, from sȳkophántēs + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sycophancy was in 1637

Dictionary Entries Near sycophancy

Cite this Entry

“Sycophancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sycophancy. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sycophancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!