The term "time-serving" often refers to someone who lacks integrity and acts in a self-serving manner. Synonyms for this term include opportunist, sycophant, flatterer, mercenary, and pandering. An opportunist takes advantage of every opportunity to advance their interests, while a sycophant seeks to ingratiate themselves with those in power. A flatterer uses excessive praise to win favor, a mercenary is motivated by money, and a pandering person seeks to please others to gain their support. Other synonyms for time-serving include self-serving, insincere, disingenuous, and unprincipled. These words all describe behavior that places personal gain above principles or ethics.