Sycophant
hardNegative toneSIK-uh-funt
noun
Definition
A person who acts obsequiously to gain advantage; a flatterer
Memory hook
SYCO-PHANT: imagine a SICK ELEPHANT that follows you around flattering you for peanuts.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The leader surrounded himself with sycophants.”
“Sycophants agreed with everything he said.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The leader surrounded himself with ______.”
Show answer
sycophants
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Sycophant is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "toady" or "flatterer" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "critic".
Related GRE Words
bootlicker
A person who behaves obsequiously to gain favor; a sycophant
toady
A person who behaves obsequiously to those in power; a sycophant
fawn
to flatter or seek favor through servile behavior
unctuous
Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily
fawning
Displaying exaggerated flattery or affection; obsequious
ingratiating
Intended to gain approval or favor; sycophantic
Master sycophant and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.