as in greasing
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
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Recent Examples of oiling
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
Lightly oiling the cutting board so nothing sticks will also make rolling easier, along with allowing yourself a few tries to get the hang of it.
—Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Lightly oiling the cutting board so nothing sticks will also make rolling easier, along with allowing yourself a few tries to get the hang of it.
—Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 7 Aug. 2025
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
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
Lightly oiling the cutting board so nothing sticks will also make rolling easier, along with allowing yourself a few tries to get the hang of it.
—Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Lightly oiling the cutting board so nothing sticks will also make rolling easier, along with allowing yourself a few tries to get the hang of it.
—Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 7 Aug. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oiling
greasing
Verb
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Repeat with remaining dough portions, greasing skillet with remaining 1 Tbsp.—
Erin Hooker,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Sep. 2025
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Place all the ingredients in blender (except nonstick spray or oil for greasing pan).—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oiling. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.
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