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
These pads smooth pores, reduce blackheads, and keep oil under control. Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 27 June 2026 The debtors tried to get Antero to release to them the proceeds of the oil & gas leases, but to no avail. Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
Don't use water on raw or oiled wood surfaces. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2026 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 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
  • Proponents hope the move – also known as the PhilAtom Law – will boost public trust and grease the wheels of foreign investment.
    Lorela U. Sandoval, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2026
  • Small strawberries, stems removed and halved Directions Lightly grease a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
    Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 22 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oil. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on oil

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster