as in fawning
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sycophancy
Rival OpenAI has also faced problems with ChatGPT displaying sycophancy.
—
PC Magazine, 20 Nov. 2025
But critics and former employees who spoke with CNN say the AI company has long known of the dangers of the tool’s tendency toward sycophancy – repeatedly reinforcing and encouraging any kind of input – particularly for users who are distressed or mentally ill.
—Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
The company had also strengthened ChatGPT’s mental health guardrails at various points after Adam's death in April, especially after GPT-4o faced scrutiny over its excessive sycophancy.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025
As noted above, the emphasis was on the states of evil, sycophancy, and hallucination.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sycophancy
PC Magazine, 20 Nov. 2025
But critics and former employees who spoke with CNN say the AI company has long known of the dangers of the tool’s tendency toward sycophancy – repeatedly reinforcing and encouraging any kind of input – particularly for users who are distressed or mentally ill.
—Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
The company had also strengthened ChatGPT’s mental health guardrails at various points after Adam's death in April, especially after GPT-4o faced scrutiny over its excessive sycophancy.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025
As noted above, the emphasis was on the states of evil, sycophancy, and hallucination.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sycophancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sycophancy
Noun
-
According to Gaiani, drinking or using drugs before social situations is a major sign that your teen may be using alcohol to cope with fawning and to feel more comfortable or confident.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In reality, Lawrence and Stone are longtime friends (and future collaborators) who haven't been shy about voicing their adoration for one another.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Jerry adoration of football is well documented, almost as much as his first true love — money.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Try driving eastward, on Palmetto Park Road or Glades or Camino Real, to get to City Hall, the downtown library, Mizner Park, places of worship in east Boca or to our beautiful beaches.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Investigators said the shooter or shooters fled from the house of worship, likely traveling north on Redwood Road.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But the Turkish big man is also representative of a more meaningful trend, which was on display again this week, even before the Nuggets visited Houston — a recent proliferation of Jokic idolatry throughout the sport.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
21 Nov. 2025
-
In the Bible, Egypt occupies a central place, mentioned repeatedly as a land of refuge – notably for Joseph – but also as a nation of idolatry and as the cradle of slavery.—
Charles Vanthournout,
The Conversation,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sycophancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sycophancy. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
