What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unctuous
Example
The politician's unctuous speech failed to convince the audience. [unctuous: adjective]
Example
The sauce had an unctuous texture that coated the tongue. [unctuous: adjective]
greasy
Example
The mechanic's hands were greasy from working on the car. [greasy: adjective]
Example
The pizza was so greasy that it left an oil stain on the box. [greasy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Greasy is more commonly used than unctuous in everyday language. Greasy is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while unctuous is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unctuous and greasy?
Unctuous is a more formal word than greasy, which is more casual and colloquial. Therefore, unctuous is more appropriate for formal writing or speech, while greasy is more suitable for informal situations.
