Meaning & use

Unctuous

adjective·Advanced

Last updated

Excessively flattering, ingratiating, or smooth in manner; or, having an oily or greasy texture.

See it in a sentence

The salesman's unctuous compliments made her suspicious of his motives.

The soup had a rich, unctuous texture from the cream.

A note on using this word

From Latin "unguere" (to anoint), originally describing literal oiliness before it came to describe insincere charm.

Words with a similar meaning

oilyfawningsmarmy

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Words with an opposite meaning

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