as in to smear
to rub an oily or sticky substance over
anoint the wound with antiseptic to prevent infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anoint
Buddhist-Taoist Japan, anointed as a new giant in Clash, has all but withdrawn from the stage.
—
Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
At least one competitor is already anointing Stolz, a seven-time world champ who’s just 21— and only halfway through the Olympic program in Milan—the best ever.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 14 Feb. 2026
The John Harbaugh era came to an end, and Ravens brass has anointed former Harbaugh disciple Jesse Minter as the man to lead Baltimore back to Super Bowl glory.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Laws, churches, and IKEA were all anointed.
—Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for anoint
Josef Joffe, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
At least one competitor is already anointing Stolz, a seven-time world champ who’s just 21— and only halfway through the Olympic program in Milan—the best ever.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 14 Feb. 2026
The John Harbaugh era came to an end, and Ravens brass has anointed former Harbaugh disciple Jesse Minter as the man to lead Baltimore back to Super Bowl glory.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Laws, churches, and IKEA were all anointed.
—Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for anoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anoint
Verb
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Instead of unsuccessfully trying to wipe off the dust buildup that has turned sticky with a damp cloth and only smearing it around, Goo Gone breaks down the tacky oils for complete and effortless removal.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
25 Feb. 2026
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The former Los Angeles fire chief has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that her ouster was part of an orchestrated effort to smear her conduct and decision-making so Mayor Karen Bass could avoid accountability for the most destructive wildfire in LA history.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In visual art, from Byzantine painting up through Renaissance painting, artists actually attempted to physically reproduce perspective, or at least an optical illusion of it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Feb. 2026
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When buyers couldn’t be found and the bank took over the building, new developers painted it pink and aqua and rented it.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The result is often rich, sensorial textures that rinse clean, boost elasticity and shine, and leave hair bouncy (not flat or coated).—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
26 Feb. 2026
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When you’re done, the surface should be coated with just a light touch of oil that adds to its shine without feeling greasy.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Anoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anoint. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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