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

Jackie was no sycophant or whipping boy, as he’s been described by other writers.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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 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

Presley and Parker grew distant, as Presley insulated himself with sycophants and his behavior both on and offstage grew increasingly erratic.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2025

This evokes the absolutist rhetoric of Louis XIV’s worst sycophants, which Saint-Simon despised.

From Slate ● May 30, 2025

Around him was a raucous entourage of assistants, sycophants, distant relatives and assorted hangers-on.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan