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oil

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verb

as in to grease
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 oil
Noun
Ukraine has 109 significant mineral deposits, including those with ores of titanium, lithium and uranium, according to a list compiled by the Kyiv School of Economics, in addition to oil and natural gas fields. Constant Méheut, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025 Someone with dry skin hoping to achieve a natural radiance might prefer a dewy finish; whereas, someone headed to a red carpet or photoshoot might appreciate a matte finish that blurs the look of pores and counteracts excess oils. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
While the citrus oils within marigolds can offer some protection, particularly with nematodes, this protection is still limited and is not an all-encompassing fix-all. Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025 His jet-black hair is cleanly parted and oiled; his face, big and round. E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oil
Noun
  • His profile is featured in one of the most famous paintings in American history.
    Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
  • In addition to the wealth of historical knowledge on view, the exhibition also presents contributions by contemporary Indigenous artists working in painting, sculpture, and video, as well as traditional arts like basket weaving and canoe making.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Conservatives see in such a report only a vast political machine greased with the millions that each month line the pockets of federal jobholders.
    Marquis William Childs, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Researchers at Dawn noticed that typical suds from Dawn Platinum deflated too quickly, which led to grease redepositing on large batches of dishes.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Lang’s work plays with the canvas created by Schindler, whose design stands as an important experiment in communal living.
    Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • For Dimash, the city offered a canvas for reflection and exploration, reinforcing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft.
    SPIN Contributor, SPIN, 17 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oil. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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