Synonyms of sycophant

sycophant 1 of 2

noun

ˈsi-kə-fənt 

as in bootlicker

a person who flatters another in order to get ahead

be careful not to mistake sycophants for true friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bootlicker
• toady
• lickspittle
• suck-up
• minion
• brownnoser
• fan
• henchman
• parasite
• flunky
• admirer
• devotee
• sponge
• slave
• yes-man
• fawner
• apple-polisher
• pupil
• apparatchik
• partisan
• disciple
• hanger-on
• follower
• lackey
• leech
• stooge
• sponger
• enthusiast
• adherent
• zealot
• lapdog
• cultist
• worshipper
• satellite
• idolater
• company man
• votary
• groveler
• running dog
• camp follower
• convert
• me-tooer

sycophant

2 of 2

adjective

as in sycophantic

Related Words

• sycophantic
• fawning
• meek
• unassuming
• lowly
• retiring
• toadyish
• sheepish
• servile
• hangdog
• unpretentious
• abject
• modest
• demure
• slavish
• menial
• lamblike
• base
• humble

Dissimilar Words

• arrogant
• haughty
• supercilious
• superior
• imperious
• uppity
• lordly
• high-handed

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sycophant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sycophant are leech, parasite, sponge, and toady. While all these words mean "a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker," sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.

a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

In what contexts can leech take the place of sycophant?

While the synonyms leech and sycophant are close in meaning, leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage.

a leech living off his family and friends

When is it sensible to use parasite instead of sycophant?

The words parasite and sycophant can be used in similar contexts, but parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society.

a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites

When is sponge a more appropriate choice than sycophant?

Although the words sponge and sycophant have much in common, sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger.

a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout

Where would toady be a reasonable alternative to sycophant?

While in some cases nearly identical to sycophant, toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker.

cultivated leaders of society and became their toady

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sycophant

Noun

In an undersized team that already shares a worldview, the silicon sycophant doesn't catch the blind spot. — Matt Poepsel, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Ditto his despicable aides and Cabinet members, his unprincipled sycophants and suck-ups. — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2026

Trump’s worried sycophants probably know that the details of an eventual agreement likely do not matter very much at this point. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026

Who wants to stand with him, other than the sycophants in his Cabinet and party? — Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 15 May 2026

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