yes-man

American  

[yes-man] / ˈyɛsˌmæn /

noun

plural

yes-men

1. a person who, regardless of actual attitude, always expresses agreement with their supervisor, superior, etc.; sycophant.

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yes man British  

noun

1. a servile, submissive, or acquiescent subordinate, assistant, or associate; sycophant

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Etymology

Origin of yes-man

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Jeffrey Roach, chief economist at LPL Financial, expects Warsh is unlikely to "act as a yes-man" for the president.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

It appeared that Lurie and Roseman chose a yes-man coach and a placeholder quarterback in preparation for a long, dreary rebuilding cycle.

From New York Times • Dec. 29, 2021

On the wholesome 1990s sitcom, Diamond embodied the ultimate yes-man sidekick who executed preppy Zack Morris’ most harebrained ideas.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2021

Keegan-Michael Key plays Jake’s obsequious yes-man; John Leguizamo his nervous chopper pilot; and Tyler Mane is an ax-wielding, nonverbal giant.

From Washington Post • Nov. 5, 2019

How many times had I gone there to be his sidekick and his yes-man, to tell him what he wanted to hear?

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman