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

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

And yet neither Congress nor the sycophants in the White House seem willing to stop him. —Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2026

Laws mean nothing to Trump or his administration of sycophants. —Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

But there’s enough, like Garfield’s insistence on trying to end the practice of basically selling government positions to the highest bidder, or to the biggest sycophant. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 12 Nov. 2025

The only character who seems entirely transparent is Frederik, who can’t hide his resentment of his second-class spousal status or his contempt for the sycophants and mediocrities who cling to his wife like barnacles. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!