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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

Examples 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
Environmental groups worry that Burgum’s ties to the oil industry influence his oversight of fossil fuels. Mary Steurer, ProPublica, 24 Jan. 2025 Global oil prices remain depressed years after the height of the coronavirus pandemic, affecting the kingdom's revenues. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
The spray-on scent has a skin-softening base of sweet almond, macadamia, argan, and apricot kernel oils. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024 At times, beautiful objects must have seemed the only constants: porcelain, pearl necklaces, Louis XIV furniture, Old Master oils. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oil 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oil
Noun
  • The film, which marks Saxon’s directorial debut, utilizes puppetry, animatronics, matte paintings and 3D animation to tell the story of a shy farm girl named Yuri, who lives in a remote village on the island of Carpathia and was raised to fear an elusive animal species known as ochi.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Two Winslow Homer paintings that were recently appraised on Antiques Roadshow have been auctioned by Christie’s during its 19th century American Art and Western Painting sales on January 23.
    Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Look for Chase Utley to make a major upward in 2026, greasing the skids for future induction.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • For greasing the skillet to cook the vegetables before adding the rest of the elements.
    Julia Levy, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Pick it up in Coach Outlet’s signature canvas with cherries, or try it in taupe or floral for the same price.
    Carly Totten, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Basically, a neutral backdrop offers a blank canvas for the rest of your space.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near oil

Cite this Entry

“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oil. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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