anoint

verb

ə-ˈnȯint 

anointed; anointing; anoints

transitive verb

1

: to smear or rub with oil or an oily substance

2

a

: to apply oil to as part of a religious ceremony

The priest anointed the sick.

b

: to choose by or as if by divine election

anoint him as his successor

also : to designate as if by a ritual anointment

Critics have anointed her as an important new literary figure.

anointer noun

anointment

ə-ˈnȯint-mənt 

noun

Synonyms of anoint

• smear
• paint
• coat

Examples of anoint in a Sentence

The magazine anointed her the most popular actress of the year.

anoint the wound with antiseptic to prevent infection

Recent Examples on the Web

The episode officially anoints a new captain for the 118 — and sees Harry considering a life fighting fires. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Nov. 2025

That’s why owner Steve Ross anointed him as general manager Chris Grier’s replacement when South Florida’s NFL franchise decided to part ways with the team’s top football executive for the past seven years. —Omar Kelly november 14, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2025

On November 10, Pope Leo anointed his four favorite films of his own accord (not cornered by Letterboxd outside the Sistine Chapel). —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2025

President Wallace also expressed that Talley anointed designers with his approval, who went on to leave an imprint on the world. —Essence, 4 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enoint, past participle of enoindre, from Latin inunguere, from in- + unguere to smear — more at ointment

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for anoint

• adjoint
• appoint
• checkpoint
• conjoint
• disjoint
• endpoint
• gunpoint
• midpoint
• nonpoint
• pinpoint
• standpoint
• viewpoint

Kids Definition

anoint

verb

ə-ˈnȯint 

1

: to rub over with oil or an oily substance

2

: to put oil on as part of a religious ceremony

anointer noun

anointment

-mənt 

noun