sycophant
noun
a self-seeking, servile flatterer; fawning parasite.
sycophants
-
pluralof sycophant.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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 consequences of replacing judicious and seasoned advisers with sycophants should have been a surprise to no one.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026
It’s stale to nearly all but his biggest sycophants.
From Salon ● Feb. 25, 2026
When Hussein was deposed in Iraq, the military officers, Ba’ath Party loyalists and regime-tied sycophants who ruled the roost for nearly a quarter-century were forced to make do with an entirely new situation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 12, 2025
Around him was a raucous entourage of assistants, sycophants, distant relatives and assorted hangers-on.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
