World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariesunctuous
/ˈʌŋktʃuəs/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
1 sense- 1
Characterized by excessive, falso, or affected earnestness, piety, or flattery.
"He greeted the investors with an unctuous smile and exaggerated praise."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Late Middle English: from medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus 'anointed', from unguere 'anoint'.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "unctuous"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "unctuous" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
onctueux
Transliteration: onctueux
"Son sourire onctueux n'a trompé personne."
schleimig
Transliteration: schleimig
"Seine schleimige Art machte allen Gästen sofort unangenehm."
untuoso
Transliteration: untuoso
"Il suo modo di fare untuoso non è piaciuto a nessuno."
ungüoso
Transliteration: ungüoso
"Hablaba con un tono untuoso y poco sincero."
unctuoso
Transliteration: unctuoso
"Ele tentou ganhar o chefe com elogios unctuosos."
चापलूस
Transliteration: chaploos
"उसकी चापलूस भरी बातें किसी को पसंद नहीं आईं।"
虚情假意的
Transliteration: xū qíng jiǎ yì de
"他用虚情假意的笑容迎接着每一位客人。"
감언이설의
Transliteration: gameonisareui
"그의 감언이설에 속아 넘어가는 사람은 없었다."
油断ならない
Transliteration: yudan naranai
"彼の油断ならないお世辞には誰もがうんざりしていた。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsExplore Nuanced Synonyms for "unctuous"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.