as in to grease
to coat (something) with a slippery substance in order to reduce friction
used a petroleum based machine oil to lubricate the gears
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Recent Examples of lubricate
In most animals, mucin plays key roles in forming protective barriers, and lubricating surfaces, and participates in cell signalling.
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Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
For more severe discomfort, Hu suggests using thicker lubricating gels or ointments at bedtime, though these may temporarily blur vision.
—Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
This spreads sebum, an oily substance that lubricates skin.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Dec. 2024
King Smith recommends lubricating the belt every three months, and this is easy to do thanks to the folding mechanism, which makes getting under the belt simple.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lubricate 
Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
For more severe discomfort, Hu suggests using thicker lubricating gels or ointments at bedtime, though these may temporarily blur vision.
—Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
This spreads sebum, an oily substance that lubricates skin.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Dec. 2024
King Smith recommends lubricating the belt every three months, and this is easy to do thanks to the folding mechanism, which makes getting under the belt simple.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lubricate
Thesaurus Entries Near lubricate
Cite this Entry
“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricate. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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