A groveler is a person who behaves in a servile or overly submissive manner, often to gain favor or forgiveness from someone in a position of power. This behavior typically involves excessive flattery, begging, or self-deprecation, which may be perceived as insincere or degrading.
Groveler meaning with examples
- After being scolded by his boss, Jim became a groveler, bringing coffee and compliments in an attempt to win back her approval. Rather than addressing the issue directly, he chose to flatter her with exaggerated praise, which only made his colleagues roll their eyes at his behavior.
- During the meeting, several grovelers were present, eager to gain the attention of the higher-ups. They nodded excessively at every statement made by the executives while whispering compliments, hoping that their subservient tactics would pay off in future promotions. Many found their enthusiasm cringeworthy.
- Despite her accomplishments, Sarah was often seen as a groveler among her peers. She would go out of her way to downplay her achievements in front of those in authority, believing that humility would win their hearts. However, many felt her efforts were more of an act than genuine modesty.
- Upon hearing about the upcoming layoffs, Mark turned into a total groveler. He frequently approached his manager, praising his leadership skills and seeking personal favors. His colleagues noticed this shift in behavior, finding it desperate and somewhat sad, as he traded his integrity for a potential job security.
Groveler Synonyms
bootlicker brown-noser cowardly cringing deferential fawn flatterer insincere kowtower lickspittle obeisant self-abasing servile slavish submissive subservient surrendering sycophant toady unctuousGroveler Antonyms
assertive authoritative confident defiant dominant equal honorable independent leader mature peer principled rebellious resilient respectable self-assured self-reliant self-respecting unsubmissive uprightGroveler Crossword Answers
6 Letters
FAWNER
8 Letters
TRUCKLER
9 Letters
GROVELLER
10 Letters
BOOTLICKER
13 Letters
APPLEPOLISHER