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

The conversations on stage ranged from how to tackle a growing AI divide between the global north and the global south to technical solutions for mitigating AI risks like models engaging in deception and sycophancy. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 9 July 2026

One of the main culprits is the models’ propensity for sycophancy. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 18 June 2026

Layering advertising incentives on top of sycophancy produces a system primed to flatter users. — William J. Brady, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026

Some would argue that if AI sycophancy is spurring people to use AI for mental health advice, this is an undesirable outcome and yet another dour sign of AI sycophancy. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

sycophan(t) + -cy, after Latin sȳcophantia, borrowed from Greek sȳkophantía, from sȳkophántēs + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sycophancy

• necromancy
• chancy
• dancy
• fancy
• fiancee