Synonyms of anoint

anoint

verb

ə-ˈnȯint 

as in to smear

to rub an oily or sticky substance over

anoint the wound with antiseptic to prevent infection

Synonyms & Similar Words

• smear
• paint
• coat
• daub
• besmear
• stain
• plaster
• oil
• bedaub
• grease
• smudge
• dirty
• besmirch
• tar
• sully
• soil
• befoul
• blacken
• lard
• muck
• smirch
• gum
• muddy
• gaum
• foul
• mire
• pitch
• begrime
• bemire
• grime

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of anoint

Every World Cup anoints a breakout star, a previously unheralded player who is catapulted into the spotlight. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 22 July 2026

There’s no audience score yet on Rotten Tomatoes, but there’s been positive word of mouth from the media who’ve watched the epic, who are already anointing it with awards-season buzz. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 July 2026

In 2024, Joe Biden sailed to the Democratic presidential nomination after a primary process that was little more than a formality, with the Florida Democratic Party even cancelling its primary in March to anoint Biden. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026

The press had already anointed him the heir apparent to Diego Maradona; an emotional Maradona was filmed in the stands, with his arms in the air, as Messi entered the game. — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 27 June 2026