sycophantic

adjective

sy·​co·​phan·​tic ˌsi-kə-ˈfan-tik 

 also  ˌsī-

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a sycophant : fawning, obsequious

sycophantic compliments

sycophantically

ˌsi-kə-ˈfan-ti-k(ə-)lē 

 also  ˌsī-

adverb

Examples of sycophantic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People had called that earlier model irritatingly sycophantic, and the Raines would later suggest in their lawsuit that this quality had contributed to their son’s attachment to it. —Vauhini Vara, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025

By August, Ars reported on cases where ChatGPT's sycophantic behavior had validated users' false beliefs to the point of causing mental health crises, and news of the aforementioned suicide lawsuit hit not long after. —ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2025

Its constant affirmation of the user also bordered on dangerous, becoming sycophantic and encouraging delusions, as the company discussed in an April blog post. —PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025

In addition, Kimmel got some hilarious help and cultural Kevlar from Robert De Niro played the new sycophantic head of the FCC to seal the deal — cause that’s how the pros do it. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sycophantic

• transatlantic
• unromantic
• antic
• frantic
• atlantic
• gigantic
• pedantic
• romantic
• semantic
• vedantic