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
But there is another issue that is more subtle: sycophancy.
—
Bernardo Martinez, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
This sycophancy isn't accidental.
—ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025
The most common way users interact with AI is through chatbots, which mimic natural human conversations and are designed to be agreeable and flattering, sometimes to the point of sycophancy.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025
The system’s tone is indeed frostier now, with less of the friendly banter and sycophancy that led many users to develop emotional attachments and even romances with ChatGPT.
—Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sycophancy
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Bernardo Martinez, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
This sycophancy isn't accidental.
—ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025
The most common way users interact with AI is through chatbots, which mimic natural human conversations and are designed to be agreeable and flattering, sometimes to the point of sycophancy.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025
The system’s tone is indeed frostier now, with less of the friendly banter and sycophancy that led many users to develop emotional attachments and even romances with ChatGPT.
—Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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