as in painting
a picture created with oil paint
that artist is known to have created only oils and charcoal sketches
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of oil
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
In August, Ukraine has targeted several major Russian oil refineries, while its attacks on an oil pumping station in Russia's Bryansk region also stopped oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025
Dorothy had her hair done, The Tinman got oiled up, The Scarecrow got brand new straws, and The Cowardly Lion had his mane curled and his claws clipped.
—Debbi Kickham, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for oil
Noun
Within that broad category, steel and oil refineries became profitable, while consumer goods manufacturers continued to experience profit declines.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
In August, Ukraine has targeted several major Russian oil refineries, while its attacks on an oil pumping station in Russia's Bryansk region also stopped oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
Cut the lemon into wedges for serving. 3: Clean and lightly oil the grates.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025
Dorothy had her hair done, The Tinman got oiled up, The Scarecrow got brand new straws, and The Cowardly Lion had his mane curled and his claws clipped.
—Debbi Kickham, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for oil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oil
Noun
-
At Independent, soft drawings in graphite from the 1970s and ’80s—a departure from the vibrant paintings Caland is more known for—show how the line can also convey bodily tenderness.—
Grace Edquist,
Vogue,
27 Aug. 2025
-
And so Mona, feeling a bit intimidated, planted herself in front of the painting.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
When making thin-crust pizzas, avoid oiling or greasing the pan; instead, sprinkle some cornmeal or semolina to prevent sticking.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
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Yes, subscriber numbers are important but these numbers can be greased via promotional activity or, as mentioned, just generally underpricing the service.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The concept positions denim as a blank canvas for individuality and freedom of movement.—
Andre Claudio,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Aug. 2025
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In the process, blue jeans went from being a functional item of clothing associated with working-class Americans to something far more malleable: a literal canvas by which wearers broadcast their identity.—
Stephen Mihm,
Twin Cities,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oil. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
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