as in to grease
to coat (something) with a slippery substance in order to reduce friction used a petroleum based machine oil to lubricate the gears

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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 lubricate Estrogen keeps everything in these areas healthy, lubricated, and moist, and even preserves the skin’s thickness. Erica Sweeney, SELF, 20 June 2025 Spirits can offer protection to homes and businesses, ensure a fruitful year or safeguard the health of friends and loved ones — a sip of the Champagne of fruit sodas lubricating these prayers of course. Vanessa Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 Or, as Philadelphia Eagles fans would have it, go lubricate the lampposts with the tears of their vanquished rivals. Michael Silver, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Some will lubricate the digestive tract, helping prevent a buildup of hair, others are laxative that keeps the passages flowing. Joan Morris, Mercury News, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lubricate
Verb
  • That greases the skids of trust and softens skepticism.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch rimmed sheet pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
    Cathy Thomas, Mercury News, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Lightly oiling the cutting board so nothing sticks will also make rolling easier, along with allowing yourself a few tries to get the hang of it.
    Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
  • In another poem, the same Love tends to her postpartum, parting and oiling her scalp.
    m. mick powell August 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricate. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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