sycophancy
noun
sy·co·phan·cy
ˈsi-kə-fən(t)-sē 
also ˈsī-,
-ˌfan(t)-
: obsequious flattery
also
: the character or behavior of a sycophant
Examples of sycophancy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This effect is exacerbated by sycophancy and can spark groupthink, ignoring dissent or mistaking silence for support.
—
Nuala Walsh, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Russian dissidents – most now either in jail or abroad – see Putin as a dictator who has built a brittle system of personal rule reliant on sycophancy and corruption that is leading Russia towards decline and turmoil.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
Carro's paper suggests that obvious sycophancy significantly reduces user trust.
—ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2025
Hierarchies breed a hell of a lot of sycophancy and resentment, and this one is no different.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
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Nuala Walsh, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Russian dissidents – most now either in jail or abroad – see Putin as a dictator who has built a brittle system of personal rule reliant on sycophancy and corruption that is leading Russia towards decline and turmoil.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
Carro's paper suggests that obvious sycophancy significantly reduces user trust.
—ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2025
Hierarchies breed a hell of a lot of sycophancy and resentment, and this one is no different.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sycophancy
Cite this Entry
“Sycophancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sycophancy. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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