sycophant 1 of 2

noun

ˈsi-kə-fənt How to pronounce sycophant (audio)
Definition of sycophantnext
as in bootlicker
a person who flatters another in order to get ahead be careful not to mistake sycophants for true friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sycophant

2 of 2

adjective

as in sycophantic

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sycophant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sycophant are leech, parasite, sponge, and toady. While all these words mean "a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker," sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.

a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

In what contexts can leech take the place of sycophant?

While the synonyms leech and sycophant are close in meaning, leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage.

a leech living off his family and friends

When is it sensible to use parasite instead of sycophant?

The words parasite and sycophant can be used in similar contexts, but parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society.

a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites

When is sponge a more appropriate choice than sycophant?

Although the words sponge and sycophant have much in common, sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger.

a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout

Where would toady be a reasonable alternative to sycophant?

While in some cases nearly identical to sycophant, toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker.

cultivated leaders of society and became their toady

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of sycophant
Noun
Who wants to stand with him, other than the sycophants in his Cabinet and party? — Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 15 May 2026 Republicans in Congress have become spineless sycophants to a president who only sees the beauty of this country in dollar signs. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026 Will any other sycophants in his cult get the message? — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026 Eager sycophants run behind him to carry out his directives and repeat his absurdities. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sycophant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sycophant
  1. bootlicker
  2. sycophantic
  3. toady
  4. lickspittle
  5. suck-up
  6. minion
  7. fan
  8. henchman
Noun
  • The result of this dynamic tension of bootlickers, according to Bernhard’s narrator, is the perpetual elevation and official anointment of mediocrity.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
  • If all goes to hell and America devolves into a rank dictatorship, beware the bootlicker.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Definition of bootlicker
Adjective
  • Politicians in both parties are distancing themselves from an increasingly unpopular building boom faster than a sycophantic chatbot can flatter its user.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Always chipper, always sycophantic, and completely nonsensical.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of sycophantic
Noun
  • Under Homelander’s rule, spineless toadies like The Deep would be the only remaining followers.
    — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
  • His embrace of Trump‘s endorsement and refusal to admit that Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 presidential election expose him as a toady.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Definition of toady
Noun
  • Rarely has a president been surrounded by such an array of toadies and lickspittles, operating beyond their competence in an atmosphere of organizational chaos.
    — Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Firmly in control of the nation’s massive federal apparatus, MAGA and its Republican lickspittles in Congress have thrived on chaos.
    — Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of lickspittle
Noun
  • The implication is that American troop positioning throughout Europe will go to the biggest suck-ups.
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Matthew eventually one-ups the request by losing his boxers as well and going full Winnie the Pooh, which earns him the respect of his fellow suck-ups.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025
Definition of suck-up
Noun
  • Just as Wolverine is surrounded, he’s saved by Mystique, who’s shape-shifted herself into one of Trask’s minions.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • One of Danhausen’s minions took out Mysterio with a flipping dive on the outside.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of minion
Noun
  • As fans continue to mourn Parton’s death, past interviews are resurfacing.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Announced just last week, fans are already in throes of excitement, with scores of late-night launch events lined up internationally.
    — Kyle MacNeill, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fan
Noun
  • One of the senior henchmen of right-wing Christian politics saw this dangerous transformation unfolding from the inside.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • While Sanji and Chopper fight off various henchmen, Luffy battles Wapol and eventually beats him with Sanj’s help.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of henchman

Browse Nearby Words

sycophancy
sycophant
sycophantic
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Cite this Entry

“Sycophant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sycophant. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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