ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›F›fawning
ISEE/SSAThard
fawning
excessively flattering or submissive to gain favor
Synonyms
- obsequious
- servile
- sycophantic
Antonyms
- aloof
- defiant
- independent
fawning in a sentence
The actor grew uncomfortable with the reporter's fawning compliments.
The aide's fawning manner pleased the vain governor but annoyed everyone else.
Where it comes from
From Old English fagnian, meaning 'to rejoice or show delight.'
Memory hook
FAWNING contains FAWN: picture a timid young deer bowing for approval.
Read it in context
- The Unsmoothed Voice Narrative