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Antonyms for unctuous

Grammar : Adj
Spell : uhngk-choo-uh s
Phonetic Transcription : ˈʌŋk tʃu əs

Definition of unctuous

Origin :
  • late 14c., "oily," from Old French unctueus, from Medieval Latin unctuosus "greasy," from Latin unctus "act of anointing," from past participle stem of unguere "to anoint" (see unguent).
  • Figurative sense of "blandly ingratiating" is first recorded 1742, perhaps in part with a literal sense, but in part a sarcastic usage from unction in the meaning "deep spiritual feeling" (1690s), such as comes from having been anointed in the rite of unction. Related: Unctuously; unctuousness.
  • adj oily
  • adj ingratiating
  • adj sycophantic
Example sentences :
  • She laughed a rich, unctuous laugh, and stretched her hands to the blaze.
  • Extract from : « Tiverton Tales » by Alice Brown
  • A voice, which was unctuous and insinuative, emanated from the figure.
  • Extract from : « The Black Bag » by Louis Joseph Vance
  • "I haven't the slightest doubt of it," Bobby responded, with unctuous emphasis.
  • Extract from : « The Dominant Strain » by Anna Chapin Ray
  • All this came out of her like an unctuous trickle of some acrid oil.
  • Extract from : « The Arrow of Gold » by Joseph Conrad
  • "The member is unduly excited," replied the chairman, in his most unctuous tones.
  • Extract from : « A Woman for Mayor » by Helen M. Winslow
  • It had an earthy, insipid taste, and is described as "unctuous."
  • Extract from : « The Book of the Damned » by Charles Fort
  • "Good-evening, Marta," boomed the clergyman's unctuous tones.
  • Extract from : « The Return of Peter Grimm » by David Belasco
  • He gesticulated freely and spoke in an unctuous, fawning tone.
  • Extract from : « Fantmas » by Pierre Souvestre
  • The old man sat there, as solemn and unctuous as ever he had in his pew at church.
  • Extract from : « Americans All » by Various
  • "A sad pity," Mrs. Madgwick was remarking in her unctuous voice.
  • Extract from : « The Making of a Soul » by Kathlyn Rhodes

Synonyms for unctuous

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019