oil 1 of 4

oil

2 of 4

verb (1)

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

oiled

3 of 4

adjective

oiled

4 of 4

verb (2)

past tense of oil
as in greased
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
As tensions in the Middle East eased, oil prices plunged, interest rates declined, and stocks surged. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 27 June 2025 The measure also requires the state, when considering future oil permits, to better evaluate how potential pollution from the extraction could affect nearby shorelines, wildlife and any potential costs for restoration, according to a House bill analysis. Emily L. Mahoney, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
Verb
There’s no evidence that the seed oils themselves are responsible for poor health outcomes, experts said. Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 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
Adjective
Sprinkle the oiled area generously with salt and pepper. Julia O'Malley, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Jan. 2023 Using oiled spoon, quickly spread brittle into thin, even layer, then sprinkle with salt. Woman's Day, 15 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for oil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oil
Noun
  • She was known to barter paintings for medical bills, home repairs and tobacco.
    Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
  • The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is nearing completion of its own new Brutalist building, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, 82, to house the permanent collection of paintings, sculptures and other works of art.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • But unfortunately, indulging too much in fried foods will trigger your cortisol.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 25 June 2025
  • Those two disparate memories become a bowl of Venetian-style risotto with a small mound of rock crab meat sourced from that same crabbing boat and a fried egg espuma in the middle.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Paul left Robinson, a former NBA Slam Dunk champion, lying face-down on the canvas.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Patches are also gaining prominence as a canvas for differentiation and personalization.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, with its slick production values and big stars, Doctor Odyssey is expensive to produce.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 June 2025
  • The unapologetic embracing of social platforms and creators has also resulted in a record $8 Million raised from donors to help continue the slick social messaging push to November’s General Mayoral election.
    Jason Davis, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • And maybe a little drunk and sick from all that oily food and crappy wine.
    Helen Schulman, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025
  • Yet the car will likely obey speed limits, never get drowsy or drunk and never rubberneck or give in to road rage.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • The water-free, no-rinse stick creates a slippery barrier on the skin so that your razor can smoothly glide across, leaving skin smooth and hydrated with sea moss, hyaluronic acid and ginger root oil.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Her flippant attitude toward school, her refusal to talk through her grief, and her slippery grasp on the concepts of right and wrong can all be traced to that fateful night in this garage.
    Stacia Brown, Vulture, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • What To Know Between 12 and 24 inches of heavy wet snow are forecast to fall on the East Glacier Park region above 6,000 feet, and up to 6 inches below that altitude.
    Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • Of course, be mindful of where cords are running to prevent them from getting wet during our frequent spring and summer showers.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The film starred Harbour as a drunken, disillusioned Santa Claus ready to hang up his hat when his sense of heroism is stirred by a young girl whose family is taken hostage.
    Michileen Martin, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • In [apartment] 201 there were heartbreaks, there were loves, drunken parties with friends, with family—all the stories are there.
    Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oil. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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