as in flunkeys
a person who flatters another in order to get ahead
be careful not to mistake sycophants for true friends
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sycophants
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
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sycophants
Noun
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In the past, Newsom denounced judges who ruled against them as toadies of the firearms industry.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
5 Sep. 2025
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Naturally his reliable Republican toadies lined up to support him.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Cederquist is one of scores of bad cops included in the book, as is one of his minions in the Stoughton crew, a guy named Calvin Butner.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
15 Oct. 2025
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Amon, a tank-like Forgeknight; and Vex, a Siren who has the ability to spawn minions and drain life from enemies like a necromancer.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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However, the duo — who will be joined by German drummer Anika Nilles to replace Neil Peart behind his fortress of a kit — are aware of the corrupt industry of people trying to price out fans with inflated ticket costs.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
20 Oct. 2025
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After checking into the Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa, my eyes immediately focused on a group of fans from Texas donning Hagar gear.—
Mark Gray,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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His henchmen quickly followed suit.—
Danny Makki,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Over eight episodes, the brothers find themselves at the mercy of Mancuso — a former family friend — and his vicious henchmen, and they are forced to confront the emotional scars of growing up with an alcoholic father, who had gambled away his own restaurant.—
Max Gao,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The benzoquinones in those secretions are pungent to parasites and mosquitoes, and lemurs sometimes also ingest small amounts, suggesting a mix of topical repellent and internal deworming.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Oct. 2025
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Unknown water can be contaminated with parasites, bacteria or other pathogens, which can make dogs sick.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For instance, Bolsonaro’s flunkies penetrated the government agency that handled film distribution.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
10 Oct. 2025
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The conservative dynamic duo representing the minority on the council against Wu and her progressive flunkies have repeatedly seen their proposals and bills rejected or just ignored by Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, a Wu ally.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Matthew eventually one-ups the request by losing his boxers as well and going full Winnie the Pooh, which earns him the respect of his fellow suck-ups.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Diwali celebrations begin with devotees deep cleaning their homes and surroundings to prepare for the goddess's arrival, according to the Smithsonian.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
19 Oct. 2025
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Reading it provided the thrill of becoming a member of a secret club of devotees.—
David Grann,
New Yorker,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sycophants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sycophants. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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