sycophantic

adjective

sy·​co·​phan·​tic ˌsi-kə-ˈfan-tik How to pronounce sycophantic (audio)
also ˌsī-
Synonyms of sycophantic
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a sycophant : fawning, obsequious
sycophantic compliments
sycophantically
ˌsi-kə-ˈfan-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce sycophantic (audio)
also ˌsī-
adverb

Examples of sycophantic 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.
That’s also why the AI makers have ratcheted up the AI to be sycophantic. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 Like all other generative chatbots, its replies are sycophantic. — Jill Duffy, PC Magazine, 17 June 2026 After all, humans often communicate with each other in sycophantic ways. — Cody Turner, The Conversation, 1 May 2026 But ChatGPT was designed to be sycophantic, not informative. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sycophantic

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sycophantic was in 1676

Rhymes for sycophantic

See All Rhymes for sycophantic

Browse Nearby Words

sycophant
sycophantic
sycophantical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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