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

He has been the “worst sycophant of all time,” as he put it at his favorite Omaha bar and grill this summer, parroting the usual flak he takes.

From New York Times ● Nov. 21, 2018

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

And, of course, there were the sycophants, jesters and Wormtongues.

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

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

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

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan