unctuous
Excessively smooth-mannered
Unctuous describes an oily smoothness—originally literal, now usually figurative.
An unctuous manner is excessively flattering or ingratiating, with a slick quality that feels insincere: The unctuous salesman wouldn't stop complimenting her taste.
In food contexts, unctuous retains its physical sense, describing rich, smooth textures: an unctuous risotto, unctuous braised pork.
Insincerely ingratiating
- oilyCovered in grease
- slickSmooth or craftily adept
- smooth-talkingCharmingly persuasive in speech
- glibSuperficially articulate
phony · hypocritical · sanctimonious · self-righteous · smug · sleazy · disingenuous · affected
Covered in grease
- fattyHigh in lipids
- butteryRich like a spread
- slipperyLacking friction, hard-to-grasp
- slickSmooth or craftily adept
rich · oleaginous · lardy · tallowy · soapy · viscous · glistening · smeary
Smoothly refined in manner
- smoothWithout roughness or difficulty
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- urbaneRefined and courteous
- debonairSophisticated and carefree
sophisticated · affable · genial · diplomatic · persuasive · courteous · refined · worldly
Servilely flattering
- obsequiousServilely attentive to superiors
- fawningExcessive insincere flattery
- ingratiatingSeeking favor through flattery
- toadyingObsequious behavior seeking favor
bootlicking · groveling · flattering · adulatory · kowtowing · brownnosing · yes-man · apple-polishing
smarmy
Insincerely ingratiating
- oilyCovered in grease
- slickSmooth or craftily adept
- smooth-talkingCharmingly persuasive in speech
glib · phony · hypocritical · sanctimonious · self-righteous · smug · sleazy · disingenuous · affected · artificial
oily
Covered in grease
slick · rich · oleaginous · lardy · tallowy · soapy · viscous · glistening · smeary · moistened
suave
Smoothly refined in manner
- smoothWithout roughness or difficulty
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- urbaneRefined and courteous
debonair · sophisticated · affable · genial · diplomatic · persuasive · courteous · refined · worldly · gallant
sycophantic
Servilely flattering
- obsequiousServilely attentive to superiors
- fawningExcessive insincere flattery
- ingratiatingSeeking favor through flattery
toadying · bootlicking · groveling · flattering · adulatory · kowtowing · brownnosing · yes-man · apple-polishing · slavish
rich
Having much of something
creamy · silky · smooth · succulent · indulgent · decadent · mouthfeel · fatty · savory · luxurious
- flatteryflatter, praise, flattery, compliment, compliments
- sycophantssycophant, sycophants, toady, toadies, bootlicker
- oily substancesgrease, lard, tallow, oil, fat
- persuasionpersuade, persuasion, persuasive, convince, convincing
- submissivesubmissive, subservient, obedient, servile, docile
- cream texturessmooth, silky, velvety, whipped, thick
unctuousblunt
Dull or tactlessly direct
frank · direct · candid · forthright · straightforward