sycophancy

noun

sy·​co·​phan·​cy ˈsi-kə-fən(t)-sē How to pronounce sycophancy (audio)
also ˈsī-, 
-ˌfan(t)-
Synonyms of sycophancy
: obsequious flattery
also : the character or behavior of a sycophant

Examples of sycophancy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His sycophancy has left him disbarred and broke. — John Avlon, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026 One of the main culprits is the models’ propensity for sycophancy. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 18 June 2026 Layering advertising incentives on top of sycophancy produces a system primed to flatter users. — William J. Brady, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026 One idea is to require AI companies to run and then publish sycophancy audits of their models – tests that show how well their products meet honesty benchmarks. — Cody Turner, The Conversation, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sycophancy

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sycophancy was in 1637

Rhymes for sycophancy

See All Rhymes for sycophancy

Browse Nearby Words

Syconosa
sycophancy
sycophant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sycophancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sycophancy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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