sycophancy
noun
sy·co·phan·cy
ˈsi-kə-fən(t)-sē 
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
Russian dissidents – most now either in jail or abroad – see Putin as a dictator who has built a brittle system of personal rule reliant on sycophancy and corruption that is leading Russia towards decline and turmoil.
—
Reuters, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
Carro's paper suggests that obvious sycophancy significantly reduces user trust.
—ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2025
Hierarchies breed a hell of a lot of sycophancy and resentment, and this one is no different.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
Groupthink and sycophancy played a role in Iraqi decision-making, the records show, but not as much as might have been expected.
—Amatzia Baram, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2012
See All Example Sentences for sycophancy
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.
Reuters, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
Carro's paper suggests that obvious sycophancy significantly reduces user trust.
—ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2025
Hierarchies breed a hell of a lot of sycophancy and resentment, and this one is no different.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
Groupthink and sycophancy played a role in Iraqi decision-making, the records show, but not as much as might have been expected.
—Amatzia Baram, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2012
See All Example Sentences for sycophancy
Cite this Entry
“Sycophancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sycophancy. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share