OpenSynonym

lackeys

/ˈlækiːz/

NOUN

1. Personal servants or attendants

People employed to serve or attend to the needs of someone, especially in a household or in a position of social privilege.

1.1. Household servants and attendants

People employed to perform domestic duties or provide personal service to an employer or household.

Synonyms

  • servants
  • attendants
  • footmen
  • valets
  • manservants
  • domestics
  • menservants
  • servitors

Examples

  • The wealthy aristocrat was accompanied by several lackeys.
  • The household's lackeys attended to the guests throughout the evening.

Related Words

  • butlers
  • housekeepers
  • maids
  • stewards
  • retainers
  • grooms

1.2. Subordinate helpers and errand runners

People assigned menial tasks, routine duties, or errands on behalf of someone in a superior position.

Synonyms

  • flunkies
  • flunkeys
  • gofer
  • gophers
  • dogs bodies
  • drudges
  • factotums
  • menials

Examples

  • The executive sent his lackeys to deliver documents and arrange the meeting.
  • The powerful businessman expected his lackeys to handle every minor task.

Related Words

  • assistants
  • houseboys
  • housemaids
  • handmaids
  • companions
  • subordinates

NOUN

2. Submissive or servile followers

People who unquestioningly obey, support, or serve a powerful person, often displaying excessive loyalty or submission.

2.1. Obedient followers and loyal subordinates

People who carry out the wishes or orders of a powerful leader without asserting independence or questioning authority.

Synonyms

  • minions
  • henchmen
  • myrmidons
  • stooges
  • flunkies
  • flunkeys
  • underlings

Antonyms

Examples

  • The dictator surrounded himself with loyal lackeys who never questioned his decisions.
  • The politician relied on his lackeys to carry out his instructions.

Related Words

  • followers
  • retainers
  • loyalists
  • adherents
  • apparatchiks
  • supporters

2.2. Sycophantic and flattering followers

People who flatter, praise, or agree excessively with someone influential to gain favor or personal advantage.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The leader dismissed his critics and surrounded himself with unquestioning lackeys.
  • The manager's lackeys praised every decision he made, hoping to gain his approval.

Related Words