Which word describes someone who attempts to win favor from influential people through flattery?

The term that best describes someone who seeks to gain favor from influential individuals through excessive flattery is "obsequious." This word characterizes a person who shows an eagerness to please or ingratiate themselves, often to an excessive degree, by using flattery or servile behavior.

In the context of this question, "obsequious" perfectly captures the notion of sycophantic behavior—pursuing approval via flattery or submissive actions directed toward those in power. It conveys a sense of insincerity and often implies that the person is acting in a self-serving manner rather than out of genuine respect or admiration.

The other choices do not relate to this behavior. "Obstinate" refers to someone who stubbornly refuses to change their opinion or behavior, while "recalcitrant" describes someone who is resistant to authority or control. "Pseudonymous" pertains to the use of a fictitious name, which has no connection to the act of flattering influential people. Thus, "obsequious" is the word that accurately encapsulates the behavior described in the question.