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unctuous

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "unctuous": Unctuous describes someone who is excessively or ingratiatingly flattering, often in a way that feel

What does "unctuous" mean?

Unctuous describes someone who is excessively or ingratiatingly flattering, often in a way that feels oily, insincere, or "slick." Imagine a salesperson who is so eager to please and overly complimentary that their charm starts to feel greasy or manipulative rather than genuine. The word originates from the literal meaning of "oily" or "greasy," which helps explain why it carries a negative connotation of someone trying too hard to smooth things over. It is typically used in formal writing or critical speech to characterize people who are sycophantic or oily in their mannerisms.

"unctuous" in conversation

Discussing a coworker

Did you see how he was fawning over the manager?

Did you see how he was fawning over the manager?

Yes, it was completely unctuous. I couldn't stand to watch it.

Yes, it was completely unctuous. I couldn't stand to watch it.

Used to describe behavior that feels performative and fake.

Describing a suspicious stranger

The guy at the door had such an unctuous smile.

The guy at the door had such an unctuous smile.

I know, he kept calling me 'my dear' and 'my friend'—it felt very predatory.

I know, he kept calling me 'my dear' and 'my friend'—it felt very predatory.

The word often implies a lack of trustworthiness.

"unctuous" in a sentence

  1. He offered an unctuous apology to the committee.

    He offered an unctuous apology to the committee.

  2. The politician’s unctuous tone failed to win over the skeptical crowd.

    The politician’s unctuous tone failed to win over the skeptical crowd.

  3. She recoiled from his unctuous attempts to ingratiate himself into her inner circle.

    She recoiled from his unctuous attempts to ingratiate himself into her inner circle.

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