Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun unction

4 senses of unction

Sense 1
unction, smarm, fulsomeness -- (excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm)
       => compliment -- (a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration)

Sense 2
fulsomeness, oiliness, oleaginousness, smarminess, unctuousness, unction -- (smug self-serving earnestness)
       => hypocrisy -- (insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have)

Sense 3
ointment, unction, unguent, balm, salve -- (semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation)
       => remedy, curative, cure, therapeutic -- (a medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain)

Sense 4
unction, inunction -- (anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual)
       => anointing, anointment -- (the act of applying oil or an oily liquid)
       => religious ceremony, religious ritual -- (a ceremony having religious meaning)