Sycophancy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈsi-kə-fən(t)-sē/ sy·co·phan·cy

Meaning & Definition of Sycophancy

Sycophancy (noun)

  1. obsequious flattery; also, the character or behavior of a sycophant

Sycophancy (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in fawning, toadying

    similar: fawning, toadying, adoration, idolatry, worship, cajolement, cajolery, ingratiation, smarm, caresses, compliments, congratulations, felicitations, greetings, regards, respects, acclaim, applause, commendation, praise, allurements, blandishments, endearments, adulation, blarney, butter, flannel (British), flattery, incense, overpraise, soft soap, sweet talk, taffy
    opposite: bad-mouthing, belittlement, depreciation, detraction, disparagement, put-down

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Sycophancy

The most common words with a similar meaning to Sycophancy:

British: flannel
fawning, toadying, adoration, idolatry, worship, cajolement, cajolery, ingratiation, smarm, caresses, compliments, congratulations, felicitations, greetings, regards, respects, acclaim, applause, commendation, praise, allurements, blandishments, endearments, adulation, blarney, butter, flattery, incense, overpraise, soft soap, sweet talk, taffy

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Sycophancy

Words with the opposite meaning of Sycophancy:

bad-mouthing, belittlement, depreciation, detraction, disparagement, put-down

Origin & Etymology of Sycophancy

sycophan(t) + -cy, after Latin sȳcophantia, borrowed from Greek sȳkophantía, from sȳkophántēs + -ia -ia:1

First known use: 1637

Frequently Asked Questions about Sycophancy

What does "Sycophancy" mean?

"Sycophancy" means obsequious flattery; also, the character or behavior of a sycophant. As a noun, it is defined as: obsequious flattery; also, the character or behavior of a sycophant.

What is another word for "Sycophancy"?

Other words for "Sycophancy" include fawning, toadying, adoration, idolatry, worship, cajolement, cajolery and ingratiation. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Sycophancy" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Sycophancy"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Sycophancy". Common alternatives include fawning, toadying, adoration, idolatry, worship, cajolement, cajolery, ingratiation, smarm and caresses.

What is the opposite of "Sycophancy"?

Antonyms of "Sycophancy" include bad-mouthing, belittlement, depreciation, detraction, disparagement and put-down.

Is "Sycophancy" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Sycophancy" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Sycophancy"?

"Sycophancy" is pronounced /ˈsi-kə-fən(t)-sē/ and divided into syllables as sy·co·phan·cy.

What is the origin of the word "Sycophancy"?

"Sycophancy" comes from sycophan(t) + -cy, after Latin sȳcophantia, borrowed from Greek sȳkophantía, from sȳkophántēs + -ia -ia:1. First known use: 1637.

What is another word for "Sycophancy" meaning "as in fawning, toadying"?

When "Sycophancy" (noun) means as in fawning, toadying, synonyms include fawning, toadying, adoration, idolatry, worship and cajolement. Opposites in this sense include bad-mouthing, belittlement, depreciation and detraction.