sycophantic

adjective

sy·​co·​phan·​tic ˌsi-kə-ˈfan-tik How to pronounce sycophantic (audio)
 also  ˌsī-
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a sycophant : fawning, obsequious
sycophantic compliments
sycophantically adverb

Examples of sycophantic 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.
Unlike other, sycophantic portions of right-wing media, Kirk isn’t simply a hanger-on to the conservative elite. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 Driver begins the show unsteadily; his early scenes with Nancy and with Jimmy (Keith Nobbs), a sycophantic assistant, lack confidence and dimension. Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024 Lake, like many Republicans, speaks primarily with supporters and sycophantic interviewers. Philip Bump, Washington Post, 17 July 2024 And Donald Trump upended one congressional race by dealing a humiliating rejection to one of his most sycophantic supporters. Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for sycophantic 

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sycophantic was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near sycophantic

Cite this Entry

“Sycophantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sycophantic. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sycophantic

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!