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
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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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Graham is the former chair of the council’s economic development committee who played a lead role in facilitating communication between the awards and local leaders.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Apr. 2026
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The activity allegedly included promoting and facilitating prostitution.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Jubail in eastern Saudi Arabia is home to one of the world's largest industrial cities, where steel, gasoline, petrochemicals, lubricating oil and chemical fertilizers are produced.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
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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
Verb
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Blot — don’t rub — and avoid over-wetting the mattress, which can lead to mold growth if moisture gets trapped inside.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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Water at the base of plants instead of wetting the entire garden with a sprinkler or hose.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Greasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/greasing. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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