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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
Coconut Oil Coconut oil is dairy-free and aligns with keto, vegetarian, and vegan diet plans. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025 Russia’s economy depends on oil and gas exports, with little incentive to transition. Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
In another poem, the same Love tends to her postpartum, parting and oiling her scalp. M. Mick Powell august 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025 Mike Novosel rides in the back car of the Lightning Racer roller coaster at Hersheypark to oil the rails every morning prior to the opening of the park, June 16, 2015. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for oil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oil
Noun
  • Meduna controversially sought to block the natural light emanating through the neo Gothic arches on the main facade, in an attempt to protect the famed painting.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
  • How did those paleolithic people determine who would make the paintings, which of them possessed the requisite skill?
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
  • With a shiny, almost mirror-like glaze, and tender ultra-moist crumb, this recipe is well worth the pain of greasing every nook and cranny of a Bundt pan to make.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Families will paint Autumn Gnomes together, with instructors guiding the process step-by-step so even beginners can walk away proud of their canvas.
    Tiffani Jackson Skinner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Guests at the celebration were also shown sipping wine and spending time in nature, including painting on canvases as a group.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oil. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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