oils 1 of 2

plural of oil

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
Body oils, dead skin, dirt, soap scum, mineral deposits, hard water stains, and mold can stick to the walls, door, grout, and floor, leaving a grimy film. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 June 2026 This process turns waste fats, oils, and greases into renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026 Its heavy nature also causes oils to build up in pores, causing acne and breakouts, which other established moisturizing ingredients, like ceramides, petrolatum, squalene, glycerin and shea butter, are less likely to do. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 18 June 2026 Use something that contains hydrating ingredients and is mild and fragrance-free, to avoid allergic reactions and stripping the natural oils that help maintain skin's barrier function. Kelle Walsh, NPR, 18 June 2026 If the wash is too short, too cold, or overloaded, oils and odors remain in the fabric. Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026 Like many of the best Korean cleansing oils, Manyo's Pure Cleansing Oil is a dream for dry skin. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 June 2026 The result is a deep, effective cleanse that respects the scalp’s natural oils—especially important for those with dry skin—creating a more balanced environment where hair can thrive from roots to ends. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 18 June 2026 Dawn dish soap is typically a great option that can lift sweat and oils without damaging the material. Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 12 June 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 walls are chockablock with paintings of former presidents in heavily ornate gold frames.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • Snider argued in the post that the similarities between the paintings could not be possibly be incidental.
    Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 18 June 2026
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
Noun
  • The look book props were also handmade and prepared by the iRi team, with shapes and palettes pulled directly from Rhee’s canvases.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 16 June 2026
  • The shifting colors of the river could inspire a series of abstract canvases.
    Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Oils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oils. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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