OILS Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

oils 1 of 2

noun

plural of oil

as in paintings

a picture created with oil paint that artist is known to have created only oils and charcoal sketches

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oils

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of oil

as in greases

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 oils

Noun

For a little fun, taste it first without, then add the oils from a lemon peel and taste again. — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 25 July 2026 Ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides, and nourishing plant oils are ones to look out for, according to Reed. — Dominic Cadogan, Glamour, 25 July 2026 These vessels, assembled from thousands of components, embody themes of transformation and spirituality, drawing inspiration from sacred oils. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 Many nutrition researchers say seed oils have been unfairly maligned. — Maria Godoy, NPR, 21 July 2026 Part of this is embracing the scent layering trend, with its range of perfume oils, EDPs, and body mists. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 July 2026 Their widespread availability is thanks to a loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized products derived from hemp — a type of cannabis plant used in agricultural products like textiles and oils. — Sarah Todd, STAT, 21 July 2026 Your suit is still carrying your skin cells, body oils, sunscreen, and whatever else was floating around in the pool. — Angela Haupt, Time, 20 July 2026 Meanwhile, the lipstick-to-oil hybrid is infused with six nourishing oils for a smooth glide, creamy shine, and all-day hydration. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 July 2026

Verb

Ramakrishnan typically oils her hair twice a week before washing it. — Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oils

Noun

The museum’s two galleries also host changing exhibits of paintings and sculpture by Icelandic and international artists.

— Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Nearly every work in the exhibition is on loan from collectors, artists, and institutions, giving visitors a chance to experience paintings that are seldom exhibited together.

— Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Definition of paintings

Verb

View this post on Instagram Access greases the gears of the entire apparatus by creating its own positive feedback loop, like an ouroboros of exclusivity.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026
No eyeball-grabbing videos, no partisan commentary or agenda, and none of the edge or snark that greases the gears of the perpetual-political-outrage machine.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026