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.

The new boss will want to make a mark—almost any mark will do—to intimidate top performers and encourage sycophants.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

The sycophants bestowed with medals and presidential commendations.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

Among Jay’s core group of sycophants and servants are the dependable Laura Dern as his publicist and Adam Sandler as his dutiful manager, Ron.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

This evokes the absolutist rhetoric of Louis XIV’s worst sycophants, which Saint-Simon despised.

From Slate • May 30, 2025

Around him was a raucous entourage of assistants, sycophants, distant relatives and assorted hangers-on.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan