NYT Dictionary

UNCTION

/ˈʌŋk.ʃən/
NounUNC-tionunc-tion · 2 syllablesGrade 10

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

An ointment or salve.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Etymology tree Latin ungō Proto-Indo-European *-tis Proto-Indo-European *-Hō Proto-Indo-European *-tiHō Proto-Italic *-tiō Latin -tiō Latin unctiōbor. English unction Borrowed from Latin unctiō.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

smarmfulsomenessoilinessoleaginousnesssmarminessunctuousnessointmentunguentbalmsalve

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 8 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.