Unctuous (Adjective)
Meaning
Unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech; "buttery praise"; "gave him a fulsome introduction"; "an oily sycophantic press agent"; "oleaginous hypocrisy"; "smarmy self-importance"; "the unctuous Uriah Heep"; "soapy compliments".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The politician's unctuous smile made it difficult for many to trust him during the campaign.
- His unctuous tone when speaking to his superiors was often met with skepticism by his coworkers.
- The unctuous language used in the advertisement made it seem insincere and overly flattering.
- The unctuous mannerisms of the salesman made it hard for her to take him seriously.
- The unctuous praise he received from his colleagues seemed to inflate his already large ego.