sycophantic

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 sycophantic At its most depraved level, this is get-rich-quick music; these artist-grifters are like sycophantic workers debasing themselves for the Big Boss Algorithm. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 21 May 2025 Clearly only on the qualification that Habba — a small-time lawyer who formerly served as general counsel for a parking garage company — was her sycophantic defense of the president during his criminal imbroglios. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 May 2025 The bond between single mother and daughter, once seemingly unshakeable, has come under unbearable strain due to Leslie's sycophantic drive to expose an explosive secret, and Eva's increasing reluctance to play accomplice. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025 So get ready for a more reserved and less sycophantic chatbot, at least for now. ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sycophantic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sycophantic
Adjective
  • Softening the strongman The film starts with the loyal and somewhat obsequious journalist Pavel Zarubin interviewing Putin at the end of his long working day in the Kremlin, at 1:30 a.m.
    Peter Rutland, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
  • At 11:30, as the simultaneously pompous and obsequious gate agent announces the passengers above gold status, the bit, already tilting toward insanity, leaves any attempt to portray a real airport behind and dives fully into Alice in Wonderland–level surrealism.
    John Roy, Vulture, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • His servile defense secretary has threatened to deploy the military in other cities.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 June 2025
  • Bahrain is ruled by Sunnis and has a mostly Shiite population permanently restless over its servile condition.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Photo Gallery Feeling the heat, George accepts an offer to take the lead in a largely fictional and completely hagiographic biopic of (current) Egyptian President Al-Sisi.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 19 May 2025
  • The hagiographic mode gave way to a more prosecutorial one.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Conway, an Irishman like Fennell, rides a motorbike, inspires worshipful devotion in his crew, and can free-dive to extraordinary depths.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • The secret in the biscuits is the pairing of cheddar with bacon, with the overall result being worshipful thanks from those who are lucky enough to partake.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sycophantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sycophantic. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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