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Synonyms

sycophancy

American  
[sik-uh-fuhn-see, -fan-, sahy-kuh-] / ˈsɪk ə fən si, -ˌfæn-, ˈsaɪ kə- /

noun

  1. self-seeking or servile flattery.

  2. the character or conduct of a sycophant.

Etymology

Origin of sycophancy

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin sȳcophantia “trickery,” from Greek sȳkophantía “dishonest prosecution,” from sȳkophánt(ēs) “informer” ( see sycophant) + -ia -y 3

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Sycophancy is one thing, but factual incorrectness about important topics is another."

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Sycophancy is particularly risky when you’re dealing with factual information.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Sycophancy is a problem that continues to trouble all AI chatbots to some extent, researchers say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

Sycophancy has been a problem with chatbots, especially for vulnerable people who can experience delusions when using them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 25, 2025

Sycophancy grows out of fear, or out of mercenary self-interest.

From Note Book of an English Opium-Eater by De Quincey, Thomas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.