adjective

sycophantic

sik-uh-FAN-tik/ˌsɪkəˈfæntɪk/

Excessively flattering someone powerful to gain personal advantage.

His sycophantic praise of the director is aimed at winning a promotion.

Suited aide excessively bows and applauds boss for a trivial action while colleagues exchange skeptical looks, insincere servile flattery, no text.

Etymology

sycoGreekfig

+phantGreekto show

+icGreekpertaining to

The “fig” and “show” pieces underlie a Greek word for a false accuser, though that connection is obscure. The English noun’s later sense of a servile flatterer supplies the behavior described by this adjective.

In context

Dad Retribution31:26

her first read was automatic clothes bearing the unmistakable scent of money her lips began to curve into the sycophantic smile she reserved for potential donors

I Came To Visit My Daughter… Found Her Trapped At A Care Center. “There’s Someone Else Next Door…”

More examples

The contractor sends sycophantic letters to the mayor, hoping to secure city contracts.
Her sycophantic coworkers laugh at every joke the boss tells.
He adopts a sycophantic tone whenever he asks the department chair for funding.

Forms

sycophantic

sycophant noun — Someone who flatters powerful people for personal gain.

sycophantically adverb — With excessive flattery intended to gain favor.

Similar words

obsequious: Emphasizes excessive eagerness to obey or please, not just flattery.
fawning: Emphasizes servile affection or praise without necessarily implying calculated advantage.