unctuous
“
McCain's voice regularly trailed off when it should have risen; at times this vital, formerly forthright, frequently humorous man sounded unctuous, a quality that has never been ascribed to him.
View all »Definitions (11)
American Heritage Dictionary (5)
- adjective Characterized by affected, exaggerated, or insincere earnestness: "the unctuous, complacent court composer who is consumed with envy and self-loathing” (Rhoda Koenig).
- adjective Having the quality or characteristics of oil or ointment; slippery.
- adjective Containing or composed of oil or fat.
Century Dictionary (4)
GNU Webster's 1913 (1)
WordNet (1)
Elsewhere on the web
View all » Examples
- It was Bishop LoRocco's personal rendition of God speaking to Moses from the mountain -- unctuous, precise, reeking with righteousness. — Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine
- Mr. Bagman, "said Karkaroff, his voice unctuous once more," you are our - er - objective judges. — Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- "You've been very clever, young man," he said, in a voice unctuous with flattery. — Take A Thief
- As he ordered Tom and Bud into the boat, Jennig, portly and unctuous, pointed to Chilcote and said, "Here's the real genius!" — Tom Swift Jr And His Jetmarine
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McCain's voice regularly trailed off when it should have risen; at times this vital, formerly forthright, frequently humorous man sounded unctuous, a quality that has never been ascribed to him.
— John & Sarah in St. Paul
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View all »Etymologies (3)
American Heritage Dictionary (1)
- Middle English, from Old French unctueus, from Medieval Latin ūnctuōsus, from Latin ūnctum, ointment, from neuter past participle of unguere, to anoint.
Century Dictionary (1)
GNU Webster's 1913 (1)
WordNet
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Pronunciations
/ (ŭngkˈcho͞o-əs)/
ahd pronounces "unctuous"
by
American Heritage Dictionary