as in to grease
to coat (something) with a slippery substance in order to reduce friction
used a petroleum based machine oil to lubricate the gears
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Recent Examples of lubricate
The train ended up partially in the water, releasing diesel and lubricating oil into the river and spilling coal on the banks.
—
Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
When you are completely done with pruning for the day, disinfect again, wipe them dry and lubricate with mineral oil before storing.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
Over the course of the evening, Hedda’s job is to lubricate the estimable Professor Greenwood (Finbar Lynch), in whose hands her husband’s fate lies.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Toasts were drunk, although notably with orange juice given President Xi Jinping’s crackdown on excessive official consumption at the sort of functions that were once lubricated with plentiful bai jiu spirit.
—Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
When you are completely done with pruning for the day, disinfect again, wipe them dry and lubricate with mineral oil before storing.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
Over the course of the evening, Hedda’s job is to lubricate the estimable Professor Greenwood (Finbar Lynch), in whose hands her husband’s fate lies.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Toasts were drunk, although notably with orange juice given President Xi Jinping’s crackdown on excessive official consumption at the sort of functions that were once lubricated with plentiful bai jiu spirit.
—Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lubricate
Verb
-
Thoroughly grease a 9-inch (23-centimeter) nonstick springform pan with coconut oil and line the bottom with parchment paper.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Foil can stick or tear without greasing.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Ramakrishnan typically oils her hair twice a week before washing it.—
Katie Hill,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricate. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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