Search Dictionary
Definition of anoint

anoint

/əˈnɔɪnt/
a · noint
Adjective:anointed
•
Past Simple:anointed
•
Past Participle:anointed
•
Present Participle:anointing
JUMP TO:

anoint Lexical Profile

anoint Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To smear or rub with oil, ointment, or an aromatic substance, typically as part of a religious ceremony or sacred ritual.

Example

"During the coronation ceremony, the archbishop will anoint the new monarch with consecrated oil."

2

To nominate, designate, or choose someone officially or informally as a successor or leading candidate for a prominent role.

Example

"The retiring chief executive was quick to anoint her most trusted deputy as the next leader of the firm."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for anoint
Antonyms
View all antonyms for anoint

Word Nuance & Usage

Frequently misspelled as 'annoint' with a double 'n'; it is spelled with a single 'n' because it derives from the Latin prefix 'in-' rather than 'ad-'.

• Rhymes for anoint

• Nearby Words

annunciate
annunciation
anode
anoint
anointing
anointment
anole

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'enoint', the past participle of 'enoindre' (to smear on), from Latin 'inungere', combining 'in-' (on, upon) and 'ungere' (to smear or rub with ointment).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Anoint. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/anoint
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.