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
With the wheels lubricated by an August news release, a 9-3 Sooners team could glide into the playoff.
—
Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 21 Aug. 2025
One of the gentlest is WD-40, which loosens rust, lubricates parts, and helps protect the surface from further rusting.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 July 2025
Transmission Problems: High heat can cause transmission fluid to break down faster, reducing its ability to lubricate and cool.
—Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
This hydraulic fluid is used to lubricate internal parts of the power steering system.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 21 Aug. 2025
One of the gentlest is WD-40, which loosens rust, lubricates parts, and helps protect the surface from further rusting.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 July 2025
Transmission Problems: High heat can cause transmission fluid to break down faster, reducing its ability to lubricate and cool.
—Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
This hydraulic fluid is used to lubricate internal parts of the power steering system.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lubricate
Verb
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Take the talks on full-year appropriations bills, which could grease the Senate floor for a compromise three-bill package with the House and potentially another package of funding bills.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
30 Oct. 2025
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Lightly grease three ¾-inch-wide whisk or wooden spoon handles.—
Jenavieve Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Owners of the 2015 Chevy Equinox LS frequently report engine issues because of oil leaks that cause parts of the engine to not be oiled properly, according to ReRev, a car advice website.—
Gina Lee Castro,
jsonline.com,
30 Oct. 2025
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Once your table is ready, heat up your grill on the burner—use a small piece of fat to oil the grill, or a paper towel lightly soaked in vegetable or sesame oil.—
Irene Yoo
September 26,
Literary Hub,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricate. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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