Sycophant

A sycophant is a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage; a flatterer or fawning subordinate. Sycophants typically exhibit insincere praise and ingratiating behavior to gain favor, often compromising their own integrity or the truth to please those in power.

Sycophant meaning with examples

• In the corporate world, Mary quickly realized that the only way to climb the ladder was to become a sycophant, always praising her boss's ideas regardless of their merit. It made her uncomfortable, but she feared losing her job if she didn’t conform to the office culture of fawning over upper management.
• During the political campaign, many candidates employed sycophants who would shower them with compliments and exaggerated praise. These individuals offered little in the way of constructive feedback, instead opting to pacify their leaders with superficial affirmations, thus hindering any genuine debate regarding policies.
• In literature, the character of the sycophant often serves as a foil to the protagonist, highlighting the differences between integrity and shameless ambition. The sycophant's relentless desire to gain favor leads to their downfall, demonstrating that sycophantic behavior ultimately lacks stability and authenticity.
• At social gatherings, John found himself surrounded by sycophants, eager to ingratiate themselves with the wealthy businessman. Their constant compliments and exaggerated laughter felt disingenuous, making him question the authenticity of their intentions, revealing how sycophancy can create a toxic social environment.