ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Unction

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈʌŋk.ʃən/ · Part of speech noun

Quick meaning: Unction is a noun meaning An ointment or salve.

Meaning

An ointment or salve.

More Meanings

  1. A religious or ceremonial anointing.
  2. A balm or something that soothes.
  3. A quality in language, address or delivery which expresses sober and fervent emotion.
  4. Unctuousness: A smug, exaggerated use of language; smarminess.
  5. Divine or sanctifying grace.

Example Sentences

To be heir, and to be king / By sacred unction, thy deserved right.
Krook almost smacks his lips with the unction of a horrible interest.
The King himſelf the ſacred Unction made, / As King by Office, and as Prieſt by Trade: […]
"Well, I'll say this for myself. If there's anything out of order where I'm about, I don't miss it." "I believe you," said Bradly with unction.

Word Forms

Synonyms for unction

Depending on context, synonyms include smarm, inunction, oiliness, unctuousness, oleaginousness, fulsomeness.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include oiliness, oleaginousness, unctuousness, fulsomeness, smarminess, smarm.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.