Introduction / Context:
Public-life vocabulary often includes terms for people who offer praise insincerely to gain personal advantage. In political writing, “sycophants” describes those who flatter leaders to curry favor. This item asks for the single closest synonym that preserves the idea of praise given for self-serving reasons, not mere obedience or stylistic affectation.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target noun: “sycophants.”
- Context: political supporters who damage reputations by excessive, insincere praise.
- We must select exactly one closest-meaning word from the options.
Concept / Approach:
Dictionary definitions converge on “sycophant” = a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage; a toady; a servile flatterer. Therefore, the most accurate single-word synonym is “flatterers,” which captures both the act (flattery) and the motive (currying favor). Other options either miss the praise component or shift to unrelated traits.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Determine the semantic core: insincere praise to gain favor.2) Scan options for direct equivalence to that core.3) “Flatterers” exactly matches sycophants in meaning and connotation.4) Retain policy/political context: the sentence remains coherent with “flatterers.”
Verification / Alternative check:
Substitution test: “The core support base … is the group of flatterers …” communicates the same sense of obsequious praise and reputational harm, thus verifying synonymy.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
submissive: Obedient, but does not necessarily include insincere praise.foppish: Concerned with appearance/dress; unrelated to sycophancy.minions: Subordinates; may obey orders without flattering.jargon: Specialized vocabulary; not a person at all.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing social hierarchy (minions) or obedience (submissive) with the core behavior of flattering to gain advantage. Sycophancy centers on self-serving praise.
Final Answer:
flatterers
Discussion & Comments