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
Saliva also helps lubricate the mouth, which facilitates chewing or mastication.
—
Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 8 July 2025
Water regulates body temperature and lubricates your joints.
—Rebecca Valdez, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025
This hydraulic fluid is used to lubricate internal parts of the power steering system.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Estrogen plays a role in collagen and elastin production (proteins responsible for strength and resilience), hyaluronic acid, a major skin hydrator, and sebum, an oil that lubricates the skin barrier and keeps skin from drying out, says Yadav.
—Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 8 July 2025
Water regulates body temperature and lubricates your joints.
—Rebecca Valdez, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025
This hydraulic fluid is used to lubricate internal parts of the power steering system.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Estrogen plays a role in collagen and elastin production (proteins responsible for strength and resilience), hyaluronic acid, a major skin hydrator, and sebum, an oil that lubricates the skin barrier and keeps skin from drying out, says Yadav.
—Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lubricate
Verb
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Judge and Schwarber would be dangerous against any league, but my point is that instead of two leagues with distinct rivalries and stars, baseball is now one big, generic blob, which only greases the skids for Manfred’s geographical realignment dream.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Aug. 2025
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Yes, subscriber numbers are important but these numbers can be greased via promotional activity or, as mentioned, just generally underpricing the service.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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When making thin-crust pizzas, avoid oiling or greasing the pan; instead, sprinkle some cornmeal or semolina to prevent sticking.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
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High-carbon steel requires drying and oiling after each wash to prevent rust, so be sure to consider this when selecting your options.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricate. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
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