sycophantical
Definition
- Adjective:
- Characteristic of a sycophant: "sycophantical" describes behavior that is excessively flattering, obsequious, or servile, typically toward someone in a position of power in order to gain personal advantage. It is a less common variant of "sycophantic."
Usage Examples
- (His flattery was excessive and insincere.)
- (The advisors were obsequious and self-serving.)
- (His laughter was forced and ingratiating.)
Advanced Usage
"sycophantical behavior": actions that demonstrate fawning or groveling deference.
- The new intern's sycophantical behavior made her colleagues uncomfortable. (Her excessive flattery was off-putting.)
"sycophantical tone": a manner of speaking that is overly deferential or ingratiating.
- He adopted a sycophantical tone when speaking to the CEO. (His voice was unnaturally respectful and flattering.)
Variants and Related Words
Sycophant (noun): a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
- He is a sycophant who always agrees with the boss. (A flatterer or toady.)
Sycophantic (adjective): the more common spelling of "sycophantical," meaning the same thing.
- Her sycophantic smile was transparent. (Her flattering smile was obvious.)
Sycophancy (noun): the behavior or practice of being a sycophant; flattery for personal gain.
- Sycophancy is common in hierarchical organizations. (Obsequious flattery.)
Synonyms
- Obsequious: excessively obedient or attentive, especially to gain favor.
- Servile: having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others.
- Ingratiating: intended to gain approval or favor; flattering.
- Toadying: behaving in a fawning or sycophantic manner.
Related Idioms
To lick someone's boots: to behave in a sycophantical way by showing excessive deference.
- He is always licking the boss's boots to get a promotion. (He is sycophantical.)
To brown-nose: to flatter someone in authority for personal gain (informal).
- Stop brown-nosing the teacher; it's obvious. (Stop being sycophantical.)