1
as in oiling
to coat (something) with a slippery substance in order to reduce friction
make sure you grease the pan before you put the batter in
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in facilitating
to free from obstruction or difficulty
your help might grease the complicated adoption proceedings
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of greasing
Instead of greasing and flouring the pan, stir together equal parts flour, shortening, and vegetable oil, then brush this generously on the surface of the pan.
—
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
Todd starred in these films for over 20 years, greasing lines all over Wyoming’s Tetons, California’s Sierras, and Alaska’s Chugach mountains that other skiers and snowboarders didn’t even think were ridable.
—Outside Online, 28 Jan. 2026
Foil can stick or tear without greasing.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2026
Recipes often call for greasing the pan with a thin layer of fat (and sometimes dusting it with flour, cocoa powder or sugar) to help the cake release from the baking pan.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025
Place all the ingredients in blender (except nonstick spray or oil for greasing pan).
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
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
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
Todd starred in these films for over 20 years, greasing lines all over Wyoming’s Tetons, California’s Sierras, and Alaska’s Chugach mountains that other skiers and snowboarders didn’t even think were ridable.
—Outside Online, 28 Jan. 2026
Foil can stick or tear without greasing.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2026
Recipes often call for greasing the pan with a thin layer of fat (and sometimes dusting it with flour, cocoa powder or sugar) to help the cake release from the baking pan.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025
Place all the ingredients in blender (except nonstick spray or oil for greasing pan).
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for greasing
Verb
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Prevent rust by cleaning cast iron right after cooking, drying it thoroughly, and oiling it every time.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
17 Jan. 2026
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Mohapi adds that oiling a dry scalp works best before washing, not after.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Aguirre asked several pointed questions about the process, including the financial cost of staff time to handle work such as screening people and facilitating ICE transfers.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
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Baker, who's advised on several statue restorations and owns most of the collection housed at the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois, connected with Ralph's about facilitating a repair.—
Heather Bushman,
IndyStar,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In Europa's near-vacuum, heat from friction would dissipate quickly rather than building a lubricating surface layer.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
13 Feb. 2026
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Another group, the Arête Glacier Initiative, is investigating the idea of refreezing Thwaites to bedrock by pumping lubricating meltwater out from its base or drawing heat away with passive heat pumps.—
Christian Elliott,
The Atlantic,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Considerations Before Getting Started Before cleaning your sidewalks, gather some basic safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection, and protect plants and grass bordering your sidewalk from bleach and cleaners by wetting them down and covering them with plastic sheeting or old towels.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
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When cleaning your upholstered headboard, avoid over-wetting it.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Greasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greasing. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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