Groveler: meaning, definitions and examples

offensive behavior

A groveler is someone who acts in a sycophantic manner, displaying excessive willingness to please or flatter someone, often to gain favor or forgiveness. This behavior can be seen as submissive or overly servile, and it typically occurs in the context of hierarchical relationships.

brown-noser, fawn, flatterer, sycophant, toady

Examples of usage

• He was such a groveler, always flattering the boss to get ahead.

• Her groveler attitude made it hard for her to earn genuine respect.

• The groveler apologized profusely, hoping to mend the relationship.

• You can tell he's a groveler by how he constantly compliments her.

• In meetings, he often plays the groveler, nodding along to everything the manager says.