Which word describes someone who tries to gain favor through flattery or cringing?

Fawning refers to the act of seeking to win over someone through excessive flattery or submissive behavior, often to curry favor or gain approval. This behavior can be characterized by servility or insincerity, where the individual might exaggerate praise or exhibit over-the-top attentiveness to please someone more powerful or influential. The essence of the word captures the dynamics of social interactions rooted in power and influence, highlighting a manipulative aspect of communication.

In contrast, the other options have different meanings. "Goad" refers to provoking or annoying someone to stimulate some action or reaction, "lucid" describes clarity or comprehensibility, particularly in speech or thought, and "inquisitive" characterizes a person who is eager for knowledge or curious about a variety of subjects. None of these terms relate to the concept of using flattery or submissiveness to gain favor, which makes “fawn” the most fitting choice.