GRE Words for Sycophant and Flatterer
These 8 GRE words all share the meaning of sycophant and flatterer. Studying them as one cluster is far more efficient than learning each in isolation, because the GRE tests words by how they relate to each other. Each entry below links to a full definition page with example sentences and memory hooks.
Why this cluster matters
On Sentence Equivalence you must choose two words that give the sentence the same meaning. That means the answer is almost always a synonym pair pulled from a cluster like this one. Watch the connotation tone on each word: a positive and a negative word rarely form a correct pair, even when their definitions look close.
The 8 words
A person who behaves obsequiously to gain favor; a sycophant
Displaying exaggerated flattery or affection; obsequious
Intended to gain approval or favor; sycophantic
Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
Having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others
A person who acts obsequiously to gain advantage; a flatterer
A person who behaves obsequiously to those in power; a sycophant
Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily
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