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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lubricate These may include topical antibiotics, artificial tears, or lubricating eye drops. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024 The course of its action and the dynamics of its relationships run in familiar grooves, lubricated by generous applications of blood and goo. Mike Hale, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 The shoulder joint capsule is basically a pocket of strong ligaments and lubricating synovial fluid that anchors and stabilizes the upper arm bone within the shoulder socket. Amy Norton, SELF, 29 Jan. 2025 This is due to a degradation of cartilage (the squishy material that protects the ends of the bones) and a reduction in synovial fluid – which lubricates the joints. Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lubricate
Verb
  • Meanwhile, lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025
  • But media watchers have speculated that a settlement with Trump would grease the skids for Skydance-Paramount to close.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • Her glowing and freshly oiled skin effortlessly catches the light, playing off her lacquered purple lips and vivid green eyelids for a look that’s equal parts daring and divine.
    Mecca Pryor, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
  • To oil this customer engagement machine, Amazon introduced Prime.
    Christian Stadler, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricate. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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