sycophant crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "sycophant" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "sycophant crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TOADY: A person who behaves in an obsequious way, often to gain advantage from someone important.
6 Letters
LACKEY: A servant, especially a deferential personal attendant; also used to describe a servile follower or toady.
YESMAN: A person who agrees with everything that someone else says, often because they are frightened of that person or want to please them, typical of a sycophant.
FAWNER: One who seeks favor by flattery and servile behavior, closely related to the definition of a sycophant.
8 Letters
GROVELER: Someone who acts in an obsequious manner in order to obtain forgiveness or favor, often associated with sycophantic behavior.
10 Letters
BOOTLICKER: A derogatory term for a sycophant, implying someone who acts in a subservient or servile way to gain favor.
More About "sycophant crossword clue"
The term "sycophant" refers to a person who flatters someone excessively to gain personal advantage. In crosswords, clues related to 'sycophant' often test your vocabulary for synonyms that convey a sense of servility, flattery, or an eagerness to please a superior. Common themes include those who "kiss up," "suck up," or are generally submissive to authority figures.
When you encounter this clue, think about words that describe someone who isn't genuine in their praise or deference. The answers typically range from common, everyday terms like 'yesman' to more formal or slightly archaic words like 'toady' or 'lackey'. Pay close attention to the number of letters required, as this will often narrow down the possibilities significantly.
Understanding the nuances of these synonyms can not only help you solve the current puzzle but also enrich your general vocabulary. The concept of sycophancy is universal and appears in various contexts, making it a recurring theme in word puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always cross-reference the number of letters in the available slots with the potential answers. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities for a clue like "sycophant."
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes the clue might include a subtle hint, such as "Obsequious flatterer (5)" or "Servile follower (6)". These additional words can guide you towards the most appropriate synonym.
- Think of Colloquialisms: While "sycophant" is a formal word, its crossword answers can sometimes lean into more colloquial or even derogatory terms (e.g., "bootlicker"). Be open to these less formal options.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to confirm or rule out potential answers. This is fundamental to crossword solving.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sycophant in common language?
A sycophant is a person who acts obsequiously (excessively obedient or attentive) toward someone important in order to gain advantage. They are often characterized by excessive flattery and subservience.
Are 'toady' and 'sycophant' interchangeable?
Yes, 'toady' is a common synonym for 'sycophant' and is frequently used in crosswords. Both terms describe someone who flatters others for personal gain.
How can I identify a sycophant in real life?
Sycophants can often be identified by their insincere praise, eagerness to agree with superiors, and a tendency to put down others to elevate themselves in the eyes of authority figures. They prioritize pleasing others over genuine opinions or principles.