Definition of oilnext

oil

2 of 2

verb

as in to grease
to coat (something) with a slippery substance in order to reduce friction if you oil the machinery on a regular basis, it will operate more efficiently

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of oil
Noun
In one of the biggest drone attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion over four years ago, Ukraine on Thursday struck a major Moscow oil refinery for a second time in a week, sending huge plumes of black smoke over the capital and disrupting hundreds of flights. ABC News, 20 June 2026 Moreover, as oil retreats, companies across the economy will have more cash freed up for capital expenses. Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
Getting a wing who can defend, shoot and dribble adequately would have oiled the cogs of an often clunky offense. Varun Shankar, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026 As with other criminal syndicates, the cartel has long oiled the gears of corruption with bribes. Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oil
Noun
  • The corollary is that paintings that don’t seem to have been purchased by the couple must be empty and flat, without the vein of spirituality that would bring them to life.
    Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • The missing painting was reported to police and logged with the Art Loss Register shortly after its theft.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • This is political malpractice, designed to grease DeSantis’ path to the presidency and let legislators lie to voters about having cut taxes.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • My grid is, like, Turkish men getting their pecs greased up with oil, and then the other half is beautiful girls in Los Angeles emulsifying pasta in the pan.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Hence shirt jackets and safari jackets in linen and leather came to the fore, as did denim Bermudas, linen polos and lots of lifestyle knits amid its more formal, full-canvas tailoring — styled with a loosened tie.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
  • Dress the duo down with sneakers and a canvas tote bag, or dress it up with platform slides and chunky hoop earrings.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oil. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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