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

While automotive and marine oils may use similar base stocks, the key difference is in the additive packages. — John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026 Meanwhile, the formula blends vitamin E with raspberry seed, sunflower seed, and marula oils. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 10 July 2026 Its rich formula feels silky-smooth and doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils or leave behind a residue. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 The main restaurant serves healthy Mediterranean dishes, heavy with vegetables, protein, and healthy oils. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026 Use a heavy-duty laundry detergent that contains enough enzymes to break the bond between body oils and soil to ensure the fabric is clean. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 July 2026 These substances can be found in products such as cooking oils, soaps and skincare items, the government agency said. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 8 July 2026 The smoke from the burning vehicles contained hazardous materials commonly found in automobiles, including fuels, oils and interior components, Nunez said, although steady winds helped disperse the smoke. — Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026 According to Romine, high-quality liquid detergents are formulated to tackle both visible stains and the invisible body oils. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 3 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

Frequently incorporating African American women as her subjects, her paintings and collages center around race, femininity, and memory.

— News Desk, Artforum, 9 July 2026
Must-see paintings include Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch, and Caravaggio’s Bacchus.

— Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 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

Angel art connects with Oprah and Maria Schriver As interest in her work grew, Neilson expanded beyond painting canvases.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
The waterproof canvases are mounted on wood, available in six sizes and 16 designs ranging from botanical themes to nautical imagery.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 6 July 2026