ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›U›unctuous

ISEE/SSAThard

unctuous

adjective/ˈʌŋk.tʃu.əs/

excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily

Synonyms

• smarmy
• slick
• sycophantic

Antonyms

• sincere
• genuine
• brusque

unctuous in a sentence

Where it comes from

From Latin unctus 'anointed with oil'

Memory hook

UNCTUOUS = UNCOMfortably smooth and oily.

Read it in context

• The Returning Hinge Science
• The Weight of Fifteen Years Narrative
• The Varen Customs Crisis History
• The Empty Chair Narrative

Practice unctuous in the app

Study these too

• brusque
• cajole
• chagrin
• complaisant
• abrogate
• abstemious