as in smeared
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 anointed
For the ultra-wealthy, pretty much anything could be acquired for a price; their worlds were anointed to their specifications.
—
Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
Thus anointed, Irving went on to become America’s original literary celebrity.
—John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
In 2006, Schottenheimer became one of the youngest coordinators in NFL history when Eric Mangini anointed the 32-year-old as the offensive coordinator for the Jets after five seasons as quarterbacks coach for Washington and San Diego under his father, Marty.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
Leclerc, then 22, was anointed as the man to end Ferrari’s wait for a drivers’ championship that stretches back to 2007.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The André x Elho capsule is part of the winter 2025-26 collection, whose novelties include a down version of Elho’s bomber jacket, anointed the Astro and boasting 90 percent recycled down and a high-quality ripstop fabric.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
Gustavo Dudamel has had a lot of chances to make a first impression on the podium of the New York Philharmonic — as rookie phenom, visiting superstar, anointed future music director, and now the orchestra’s not–yet–but–de facto artistic boss.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Fathertime has been anointed by the father, son and the holy spirit.
—Matthew Glowicki, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Sep. 2025
At which point Tyler re-enters the room and is given up by the terrified crowd (and, more importantly, anointed by Joan) as one of three people — including Bracken and one of the show’s dancers — who must make the film’s titular sacrifice to save the world from an imminent catastrophe.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025
Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
Thus anointed, Irving went on to become America’s original literary celebrity.
—John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
In 2006, Schottenheimer became one of the youngest coordinators in NFL history when Eric Mangini anointed the 32-year-old as the offensive coordinator for the Jets after five seasons as quarterbacks coach for Washington and San Diego under his father, Marty.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
Leclerc, then 22, was anointed as the man to end Ferrari’s wait for a drivers’ championship that stretches back to 2007.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The André x Elho capsule is part of the winter 2025-26 collection, whose novelties include a down version of Elho’s bomber jacket, anointed the Astro and boasting 90 percent recycled down and a high-quality ripstop fabric.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
Gustavo Dudamel has had a lot of chances to make a first impression on the podium of the New York Philharmonic — as rookie phenom, visiting superstar, anointed future music director, and now the orchestra’s not–yet–but–de facto artistic boss.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Fathertime has been anointed by the father, son and the holy spirit.
—Matthew Glowicki, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Sep. 2025
At which point Tyler re-enters the room and is given up by the terrified crowd (and, more importantly, anointed by Joan) as one of three people — including Bracken and one of the show’s dancers — who must make the film’s titular sacrifice to save the world from an imminent catastrophe.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anointed
Verb
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Look closely near the corners or edges of the frame for a blurry patch, smeared light, or a soft square that looks slightly out of focus — that’s where the watermark used to be.—
Jennifer Jolly,
USA Today,
20 Oct. 2025
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Police entered the home on a welfare check and noticed blood smeared on the walls and furniture scattered across the living room.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The structure is covered with flat planes of shades of white and gray, while the occasional architectural elements painted in a primary color stand out noticeably.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
15 Oct. 2025
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And while longtime friends spoke highly of Donna during Monday’s sentencing hearing - or wrote letters to the judge on her behalf - Markel’s parents painted a different portrait of the woman convicted of playing a part in their son’s murder.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Toss apples in a bowl with the honey and cinnamon until apples are coated.—
Kathryn Gregory,
Louisville Courier Journal,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Add cream, chicken broth, and salt and stir until coated.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anointed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anointed. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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