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

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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

Under Kennedy’s stewardship, the HHS inverted the traditional food pyramid which placed grains at the bottom (most consumed) and fats and oils at the top (least consumed). — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 July 2026 The formulas are backed by experts in microbiome science and dermatology, and are free from preservatives, allergens and unnecessary ingredients, such as oils, that could irritate the skin. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 It is limited to oral use, such as oils, tinctures or capsules, depending on what a physician prescribes. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Tips For Long-Term Towel Care Wash frequency—Wash white towels every three to four uses to prevent buildup of body oils, dirt, and mildew. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 As its name suggests, the High Gloss Lip Oil is an ultra-glossy lip product enhanced with nourishing shea oils and jojoba to condition lips and promote a supple-looking finish. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 28 July 2026 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

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 backstory La Playa was built in 1905 by landscape painter Chris Jorgensen (he's known for his work depicting California landscapes; a number of his paintings are displayed at the property) for his wife, chocolate heiress Angela Ghirardelli.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
Three traditional Chinese flower-and-bird paintings, ancient ceramic fragments depicting the magnolia, and works by a local paper flower maker helped set the scene.

— Denni Hu, Footwear News, 30 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

Definition of greases

Noun

Her own method is to paint directly onto wild-cotton canvases, without any preliminary drawings.

— Gabriella Angeleti, The New York Review of Books, 1 Aug. 2026
Broadhurst also was a painter who created more than 2,000 canvases, some of which have been exhibited at the Broadhurst Art Gallery (named for him) at the Stissing Center in Pine Plains, New York.

— Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026