Skip to content
WORDS, MADE CLEAR.
Your everyday English companion

English dictionary

unction Meaning & Definition

/ˈʌŋk.ʃən/

What Does Unction Mean?

Unction is used as a noun meaning An ointment or salve. It is also used to mean A religious or ceremonial anointing.

Unction: Key Facts

Part of speechnoun
Pronunciation//ˈʌŋk.ʃən//
Syllables1
Synonymssmarm, inunction and oiliness
Pluralunctions

Unction Definition (Noun)

  1. An ointment or salve.
  2. A religious or ceremonial anointing.
  3. A balm or something that soothes.
  4. A quality in language, address or delivery which expresses sober and fervent emotion.
  5. Unctuousness: A smug, exaggerated use of language; smarminess.
  6. Divine or sanctifying grace.

Noun

  1. A gathering of uncs.

Noun

  1. A salve or ointment.
  2. A smug, exaggerated use of language; smarminess.

Synonyms of Unction

Unction synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Unction

No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.

Unction in a Sentence

No example sentences are available for this entry.

Word Forms & Grammar

unction (countable and uncountable, plural unctions)

unction (plural unctions)

Words That Rhyme With Unction

functionconjunctioncompunctioninjunctionmalfunctionexponential functionmathematical functiondysfunctioncoordinating conjunctionsubordinating conjunctioninverse functioninferior conjunctioncircular functionderived functionbodily functioncontrol functionrailway junctionthreshold functionline functionjunctionsubordinate conjunctionsuperior conjunction

Origin of Unction

Origin 1: Borrowed from Latin unctiō.

Origin 2: Blend of unc (“older man”) +‎ function (“social occasion”)

How to Pronounce Unction

Unction is pronounced //ˈʌŋk.ʃən// and has 1 syllable.

Common Questions About Unction

What part of speech is unction?

Unction is a noun.

What is another word for unction?

You can replace unction with words such as smarm, inunction and oiliness. See the full list of unction synonyms and antonyms.

What is the plural of unction?

The plural of unction is unctions.

More About Unction On Meaning Stash

More Words Starting With “Unct”

Trending On Meaning Stash This Week