Sycophant
hardSIK-uh-funt
noun
Definition
A person who acts obsequiously to gain advantage; a flatterer
Examples
“The leader surrounded himself with sycophants.”
“Sycophants agreed with everything he said.”
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
unctuous
Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily
fawning
Displaying exaggerated flattery or affection; obsequious
ingratiating
Intended to gain approval or favor; sycophantic
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
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