Sycophant

Pronunciation: /ˈsɪkəfænt/

noun

Difficulty: Intermediate

Definition of Sycophant

A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage; a servile flatterer.

Origin of Sycophant

Language of origin: Greek

Root word: sykophantes

Original meaning: informer, slanderer

From Greek "sykophantes" meaning "informer, slanderer," literally "one who shows the fig"

How to Remember Sycophant

Think "SICK-of-ant" — you get sick of the ant who constantly flatters the queen ant to gain favor.

Synonyms for Sycophant

  • flatterer
  • toady
  • yes-man
  • bootlicker
  • fawner
  • lackey

Antonyms of Sycophant

  • critic
  • detractor
  • opponent
  • dissenter

Sycophant in a Sentence

  1. The boss surrounded himself with sycophants who agreed with everything he said.
  2. The new employee was quickly labeled a sycophant for constantly praising the manager.
  3. True advisors challenge your thinking; sycophants merely echo your opinions.

Usage Notes

Always negative. Describes someone whose praise is insincere and motivated by self-interest. The adjective form is "sycophantic."

Why Sycophant Matters for GRE & SAT

Very high-frequency GRE word. Commonly tested in Sentence Equivalence with obsequious, servile, fawning. Often contrasted with candid or forthright.

Word Family

sycophantic (adjective)
behaving or done in an obsequiously flattering way
sycophancy (noun)
obsequious flattering behavior
  • obsequious
  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior

More Vocabulary Words Starting with S

  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sadistic — taking pleasure in causing pain or suffering to others
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • sagacious — demonstrating wisdom or sound judgment
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salubrious — promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • salutary — beneficial, especially in promoting health or well-being
  • sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior
  • sanctimonious — giving the impression that one is morally superior