sycophancy
noun
sy·co·phan·cy ˈsi-kə-fən(t)-sē 
also ˈsī-,
-ˌfan(t)-
: obsequious flattery
also : the character or behavior of a sycophant
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Your new book’s big theme is sycophancy in our politics. 
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 July 2022 The upstart Carlin was sidling uncomfortably close to charging Wengrow with sycophancy or even careerism. Virginia Heffernan, Wired, 11 July 2022 As De Stefano shows, the disorienting effects of fame fostered in her a dependence on sycophancy, but also a paranoid distrust even of her closest acolytes. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2022 According to the playwright, King George was driven mad by the spiritually enervating effects of the sycophancy of his toadying subordinates. Terry Teachout, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2017 Instead, the election devolved into mudslinging and sycophancy. Geeta Anand, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2016
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 July 2022 The upstart Carlin was sidling uncomfortably close to charging Wengrow with sycophancy or even careerism. Virginia Heffernan, Wired, 11 July 2022 As De Stefano shows, the disorienting effects of fame fostered in her a dependence on sycophancy, but also a paranoid distrust even of her closest acolytes. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2022 According to the playwright, King George was driven mad by the spiritually enervating effects of the sycophancy of his toadying subordinates. Terry Teachout, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2017 Instead, the election devolved into mudslinging and sycophancy. Geeta Anand, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2016 Word History
Etymology
sycophan(t) + -cy, after Latin sȳcophantia, borrowed from Greek sȳkophantía, from sȳkophántēs + -ia -ia entry 1
First Known Use
1637, in the meaning defined above
sycophancy
noun
as in fawning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- fawning
- toadying
- adoration
- idolatry
- worship
- ingratiation
- cajolery
- praise
- smarm
- flattery
- congratulations
- caresses
- compliments
- respects
- felicitations
- regards
- acclaim
- greetings
- blandishments
- applause
- adulation
- cajolement
- endearments
- butter
- commendation
- allurements
- overpraise
- blarney
- taffy
- incense
- soft soap
- sweet talk
- flannel
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- belittlement
- disparagement
- detraction
- depreciation
- bad-mouthing
- put-down