Synonyms of oil

oil 1 of 2

noun

ˈȯi(-ə)l 

as in painting

a picture created with oil paint

that artist is known to have created only oils and charcoal sketches

Synonyms & Similar Words

• painting
• canvas
• oil painting
• watercolor
• mural
• fresco
• panorama
• drawing
• acrylic
• etching
• gouache
• pastel
• masterpiece
• tempera
• diptych
• distemper
• finger painting
• sketch
• aquarelle
• triptych
• showpiece
• pièce de résistance

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

• grease
• wax
• lubricate
• wash
• slick
• wet
• water
• soak
• bathe
• drench
• douse
• souse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rough
• dry
• roughen
• coarsen
• sear
• dehydrate
• parch

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of oil

Noun

Mature skin should be treated with a mild, non-irritating cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils or irritate dry and sensitive types. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

The actual ‘gift’ Even at $60 a barrel, the oil technically will arrive at no cost to the taxpayer. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

Verb

Then back by a slightly different route, past more hides and oiled walnut and blued steel. — John Madson, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026

One of the easiest ways to take care of your nails at home is by oiling them. — Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 29 June 2026

Phrases Containing oil

• oil painting
• oil the hand (of)
• oil the palm (of)