1
as in fake
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express
an unctuous effort to appear religious to the voters
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in oily
overly or insincerely flattering
an unctuous appraisal of the musical talent shown by the boss's daughter
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unctuous
All the women are obsessed with an oily, unctuous man named Johnny Thunders (Dougray Scott), who’s now married to Elle’s ex-lover Dominique (Liu).
—
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
Zesty juniper-forward versions soar in a classic Negroni, floral gins impress in a rosy gin-kombucha cocktail, and unctuous savory gin is indelible in a 50/50 martini.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 May 2026
Ella Stiller arrives as Patience, Valerie’s social-media guru, Jack O’Brien sweetly plays her new hairdresser, and Andrew Scott, doing the most to eradicate any lingering Hot Priest vibes, plays a wildly unctuous NuNet executive.
—Jennifer Silverman, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2026
There is nothing unctuous about the clear, aromatic broth.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unctuous
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
Zesty juniper-forward versions soar in a classic Negroni, floral gins impress in a rosy gin-kombucha cocktail, and unctuous savory gin is indelible in a 50/50 martini.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 May 2026
Ella Stiller arrives as Patience, Valerie’s social-media guru, Jack O’Brien sweetly plays her new hairdresser, and Andrew Scott, doing the most to eradicate any lingering Hot Priest vibes, plays a wildly unctuous NuNet executive.
—Jennifer Silverman, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2026
There is nothing unctuous about the clear, aromatic broth.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unctuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unctuous
Adjective
-
Maduro’s electoral fraud was so blatant, and his rights abuses so serious, that the United States, the 27-member European Union and several other countries did not recognize his fake victory.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 Dec. 2025
-
The goal isn’t to fake joy, but to show appreciation for the thought behind the gift.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The latter formula includes salicylic acid, the brand’s protein complex, niacinamide, and rosemary oil to address an oily and flaky scalp while helping support thicker, fuller strands.—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
-
Use cut, oily fish such as shad, herring, or the heads of cod or salmon as bait.—
Chad Mason,
Outdoor Life,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Federal Reserve data shows Millennial and Gen X mortgage debt is nearly double that of Boomers in absolute terms.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
14 June 2026
-
The encore’s double-pack of songs from Rush’s debut was a reminder of a path not taken.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
So united and powerful were these Indigenous people that some of their enemies started to get desperate, that whiff of anxiety taking on a sickening stench.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
-
Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, has sparked global concern in recent weeks after causing the death of three passengers and sickening at least eight others aboard the MV Hondius, a cruise ship traveling from Argentina across the Atlantic.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
The pop of color offers a shimmer-free (rare!) means of warming up a wedding look and works equally well at lip level.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
12 Aug. 2025
-
By After Testing Over 30 Best Sellers By Siena Gagliano Unlike balms, which can make lip color slide around, a primer locks it in while keeping lips soft and comfortable.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Perhaps no father-daughter duo is cooler than Lenny and Zoë Kravitz, but that doesn't mean the rocker is immune to all the gushy feelings fatherhood brings.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
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The Social Security Administration sent a gushy, questionable email July 4 to millions of people collecting Social Security benefits and others.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Repercussions could result in local fines, citations, damage claims, and a strained relationship with the neighbor.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Tess is the other violin, anxious and strained and full of unresolved hurt; Jon, the sweet, warm viola, always supporting, his identity built around harmony.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Officials also recommend washing bottles, preparation surfaces and any other items that may have come into contact with the formula using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.—
Victoria Forster,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
Wash attachments in warm, soapy water in the sink.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unctuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unctuous. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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