sycophant

“A sycophant with no combat experience has to tell Xi what Xi wants to hear,” wrote Drew Thompson, a former Pentagon official who met Zhang when he visited the U.S. in 2012.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 8, 2026

Peeking over her shoulder at her notes, he tuts, “Doesn’t sycophant have an ‘o’?”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 28, 2025

Then, referring to the man who has replaced him as premier, he adds "not like Li Qiang", who he describes as a sycophant.

From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2023

Throughout their relationship, the scout made a conscious effort not to come across as a sycophant.

From New York Times ● Jul. 9, 2021

Apparently, the man had gone from servant to sycophant.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

The new boss will want to make a mark—almost any mark will do—to intimidate top performers and encourage sycophants.

From Barron's ● Jun. 5, 2026

The group of sycophants tell a tale: Leaders attract the personalities and people who mirror their character and satisfy their needs.

From Salon ● Jun. 2, 2026

The consequences of replacing judicious and seasoned advisers with sycophants should have been a surprise to no one.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026

The sycophants bestowed with medals and presidential commendations.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 16, 2025

Shusgis talked and talked to me and to the many employees, aides, and sycophants who sat down at his table nightly; I had never known him so longwinded, so relentlessly jovial.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin