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February 12, 2026

obsequious

/əbˈsiːkwi.əs/adjective

Too eager to obey or please someone, in a way that seems insincere.

Example sentences

  • “The obsequious waiter agreed with everything the wealthy diners said.”
  • “The obsequious assistant laughed loudly at every one of his boss's jokes.”

Always an insult; 'fawning' is the plainer near-synonym. Flattery aimed upward is the core idea.

Related words