adjective
- behaving in an obsequious way in order to gain advantage; excessively flattering or servile
Usage: somewhat rare; formal
Examples
- His sycophantish behavior around the boss made his colleagues uncomfortable.
- The politician’s sycophantish praise of wealthy donors was transparent to voters.
- She found his sycophantish compliments annoying rather than charming.
- The employee’s sycophantish attitude earned him a promotion but lost him friends.
- Critics described the review as sycophantish rather than genuinely appreciative.
- Her sycophantish manner changed completely when speaking to people of lower status.