unction

noun

anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual

semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation

smug self-serving earnestness

excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm

Roots

unguounct- · Latin · anoint, smear

Synonyms for unction

inunctionn unguentn unctuousnessn ointmentn balmn anointmentn salven chrismn smarmn oilinessn chrismal chrisomn chrismationn chrismatoryadj

Synonyms & related words for unction

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of unction — including inunction, unguent, unctuousness, ointment, balm, anointment. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to unction

Explore words related to unction — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include unaneled, fulsomeness, anointing, oleaginousness, smarminess, disanoint, unguentary, anointer. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for unction

Common synonyms for unction include inunction, unguent, unctuousness, ointment, balm, anointment, salve, chrism — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does unction come from?

The word unction breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root unct-, from Latin unguo (“anoint, smear”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.