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oil

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verb

as in to grease
to coat (something) with a slippery substance in order to reduce friction if you oil the machinery on a regular basis, it will operate more efficiently

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 oil
Noun
Tours of the property are followed by a wine tasting and traditional Kakhetian lunch featuring classics like the ubiquitous Georgian cucumber tomato salad with local sunflower oil—always with the Caucasus Mountains as a backdrop. Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2025 Princess Diana often avoided tights, using tanning oil instead. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
Some blends are also moisture-wicking, which help keep sweat and oils off your skin and hair. Nicole Kinning, Wired News, 30 Aug. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for oil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oil
Noun
  • The art news website ArtNet even pointed out that the scene in season 3 of White Lotus in which Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Woods are floating dead in the water appears to invoke the Millais painting.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Noir is a quaint coffee shop where white walls are a canvas for paintings by a rotation of local artists.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Repeat with remaining dough portions, greasing skillet with remaining 1 Tbsp.
    Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Place all the ingredients in blender (except nonstick spray or oil for greasing pan).
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Another canvas which adapts well to nearly any shade thrown its way is the Air Jordan 12, which will soon take on a new white-and-green execution that’s said to be inspired by the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Noir is a quaint coffee shop where white walls are a canvas for paintings by a rotation of local artists.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oil. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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