unctuous

7 synonyms for unctuous, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adjective — Having a greasy or oily texture or composition.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

greasy

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

oily oleaginous buttery soapy smarmy fulsome

How to use unctuous

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

unctuous sauce unctuous texture unctuous cream

It applies literally to greasy substances and, in tasting notes, to food or drink with a rich, smooth texture.

Etymology

Unctuous comes from Late Middle English, borrowed from the Medieval Latin word unctuosus, meaning greasy or oily. That word derives from Latin unctum, meaning ointment, which is a form of the verb unguo, to anoint or smear with oil. The ultimate root traces back to an old Indo-European word meaning to anoint.

Full origin of unctuous →

Frequently asked questions

What does unctuous mean?

It describes something greasy or oily in texture, or a rich, smooth flavour in food and drink.

Can unctuous be a compliment?

Yes, when used of a luxurious flavour or texture in food or wine, though it always carries an association with oiliness.

Where does the word unctuous come from?

It comes from Latin unctum, meaning ointment, by way of the Medieval Latin word unctuosus.

People also searched

greasy oily fulsome smarmy soapy buttery

Nearby words

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