Sycophant: a person who uses flattery to win favour from individuals wielding influence Examples: The manager surrounded himself with sycophants who praised his every decision, no matter how flawed. The politician’s inner circle was filled with sycophants who never dared to challenge his views. At royal courts, sycophants often gained favor by excessively flattering the king and undermining his rivals. Everyone knew Jake was a sycophant, always complimenting the teacher in hopes of getting better grades. I can’t stand sycophants—why can’t they just be honest for once!