as in smears
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 anoints
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
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
The Swedish institution often anoints writers who metabolize their specific histories into memorable language that stretches beyond borders and governments, transcending regional particulars.
—Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2026
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
The Swedish institution often anoints writers who metabolize their specific histories into memorable language that stretches beyond borders and governments, transcending regional particulars.
—Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anoints
Verb
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This chilling, starkly beautiful ambient piece draws Nebraska’s marginal whispers to the forefront and smears them across the picture plane.—
Sasha Geffen,
Pitchfork,
10 Mar. 2026
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The five pieces offer, in turn, biomorphic hints of de Kooning, the ragged shapes of Clyfford Still, the bold geometries of Ellsworth Kelly, the paint smears of Gerhard Richter, and something that looks like toothpaste squeezed onto an orange peel.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
Verb
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All of which paints a friendly picture for a presumptive owner, which could make Sacramento a turnkey operation if given the go-ahead from Major League Baseball.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
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Jill's memoir, however, paints a much more honest picture of Joe's concern regarding his poor performance.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
28 May 2026
Verb
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On the palate, the whiskey delivers a medium-to-full-bodied texture with a pleasantly oily mouthfeel that coats the tongue without feeling heavy.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and coats a spatula (about 170 degrees Fahrenheit).—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Anoints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anoints. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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