SYCOPHANT Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sycophant 1 of 2

noun

ˈsi-kə-fənt

Definition of sycophant next

as in flunkey

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

But that progress will be harder to forge if Trump follows through on his vow to mass fire civil servants and replace them with sycophants. —

Kenny Torrella, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 But those grown-ups are gone, and the president-elect looks likely to appoint sycophants and conspiracy theorists to top foreign policy positions. —

Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024 But Trump has been less interested in ideology and more attracted to a politics of personal grievance, one that rewards sycophants and punishes critics. —

Brent Lang, Variety, 17 Oct. 2024 Other influencers, such as the Trump sycophant Laura Loomer, have urged their followers to disrupt the disaster agency’s efforts to help hurricane victims. —

Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sycophant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sycophant

Adjective

Their allies were sycophantic, and their natural opponents—especially the French—were submissive.

— Martin Sandbu, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2017
Guillermo has gone from a sycophantic servant, dreaming of the day his master would turn him into a mythical creature of the night, to an out-and-proud vampire hunter who lives alongside his former lieges.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2024