ELBOW GREASE Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

elbow grease

noun

as in effort

the active use of energy in producing a result with a little polish and a lot of elbow grease, I was able to make the old silver teapot shine again

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Recent Examples of elbow grease While not particularly new, self-cleaning ovens are a tech-y upgrade that, according to some, have a long way to go in terms of replacing good old elbow grease. —

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 7 Feb. 2026 Sometimes, good old-fashioned elbow grease can work even better. —

Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026 There’s also an impressive discount on the top-selling Fullstar vegetable chopper that can dice produce any which way without any elbow grease on your end, as well as this six-piece champagne flute set that’s primed for New Year’s Eve festivities. —

Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025 To experience the preserve’s tranquility, visitors have to put in a little elbow grease. —

Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elbow grease

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elbow grease

Noun

According to the firm, the effort reflects sustained demand from naval and air warfighters for aircraft capable of holding targets at risk from extended distances, particularly across the vast air and maritime spaces of the Western Pacific.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Feb. 2026
Eco effort The Jareckis didn't retrofit sustainability onto an existing luxury product.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026