oils 1 of 2

Definition of oilsnext
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
While serums and minoxidil address the follicle directly, scalp oils target the broader environment where healthy hair growth begins. Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026 These oils are rich in naturally occurring aromatic compounds that support relaxation, focus, skin cleansing and even natural home cleaning. Tory Johnson, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026 Heavy oils that work for curly or coily hair can drag waves flat and make thinning more visible. Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026 Troxel recommends washing most bedding on a regular schedule to prevent the buildup of sweat, oils, allergens and microorganisms, though the exact frequency differs depending on the type of bedding and sleeping habits. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 The reason is that African hair, despite producing more oils, curls too tightly for those oils to spread efficiently. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026 Glycerin acts as a humectant to pull water into the skin, while oils like almond and coconut help seal that moisture in, reinforcing the skin barrier and preventing further dryness. Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026 Kitsch’s Microfiber Hair Towel gently wicks away excess moisture without stripping hair of its natural oils, so strands dry quickly and frizz-free. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026 Shoppers will find loose natural teas, coffee, syrup and honey, as well as healing and aromatic oils, soaps, candles, and gifts. Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 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
  • These motifs evolve into deeper explorations of aggression and subcultural aesthetics, dedicating space to his film Trash Humpers and the Shadow Fux paintings.
    Robert Lang, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
  • This Italian city has innumerable artistic treasures, these 25 paintings among them.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Judge and Schwarber would be dangerous against any league, but my point is that instead of two leagues with distinct rivalries and stars, baseball is now one big, generic blob, which only greases the skids for Manfred’s geographical realignment dream.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
  • That greases the skids of trust and softens skepticism.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Another late work, Color Wheel, 2018–19, comprises a group of thirty massive canvases arranged in a circle, each a vivid, monochromatic shade atop which has been painted a single, dripping bar of complementary hue.
    News Desk, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Zeller’s canvases mystified him.
    Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oils. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on oils

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster