as in greasing
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 lubricating
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
This time ensures lubricating oil reaches all of the engine's vital parts.
—Jalen Williams, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
This time ensures lubricating oil reaches all of the engine's vital parts.
—Jalen Williams, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lubricating
Verb
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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,
Outside Online,
28 Jan. 2026
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Foil can stick or tear without greasing.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
21 Jan. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Lubricating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricating. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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