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
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
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
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Catch up quick: The Bourbon Street hotel started greasing its poles 55 years ago to keep overeager Mardi Gras revelers from climbing up onto its balconies.—
Chelsea Brasted,
Axios,
3 Mar. 2025
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Meanwhile, lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 May 2025
Verb
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The light non-foaming cream is enriched with shea butter, plus monoi, avocado, and tamanu oils to nourish the strands while removing scalp buildup.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
22 May 2025
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For example, the healing properties of the body oils in their first Desert Muse Collection are at the foundation of the brand.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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