anointed; anointing; anoints
Synonyms of anointnext

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 noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He has been anointed for no-doubt stardom since the Army All-American Bowl in 2018, when Waddle first crossed paths with Pat Surtain II. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026 In a city that continually anoints anoints new noteworthies in the hospitality space, The Connaught remains one of London’s long-lasting greats. Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2026 Chavez was positioned as the Christlike figure who toiled for all of us at great personal cost and thus was anointed the face of the farmworkers movement. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026 Despite reports signaling that the president was poised to anoint Cornyn for the general election, no endorsement has been issued yet. Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anoint

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of anoint was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Anoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anoint. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

anoint

verb
1
: to rub over with oil or an oily substance
2
: to put oil on as part of a religious ceremony
anointer noun
anointment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on anoint

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