1
as in to oil
to coat (something) with a slippery substance in order to reduce friction
make sure you grease the pan before you put the batter in
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to facilitate
to free from obstruction or difficulty
your help might grease the complicated adoption proceedings
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grease
With the title in their grasp, the Ducks have greased up their fingers, fumbling into a four-game winless slump.
—
Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
The Crew Module side hatch cover is removed, and the seals are greased, cleaned and inspected before the 500-pound hatch door is shut and latched using special tools, including a socket wrench and ratchet.
—Miles Doran, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Scott used comedy to grease the narrative wheels; here, the laughs tend to gum up the works.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2026
In reality, according to a person with knowledge of the deal, Tal greased an employee from Griffin’s office to get the boss’s number, then called him incessantly.
—James D. Walsh, Curbed, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grease
Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
The Crew Module side hatch cover is removed, and the seals are greased, cleaned and inspected before the 500-pound hatch door is shut and latched using special tools, including a socket wrench and ratchet.
—Miles Doran, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
Scott used comedy to grease the narrative wheels; here, the laughs tend to gum up the works.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2026
In reality, according to a person with knowledge of the deal, Tal greased an employee from Griffin’s office to get the boss’s number, then called him incessantly.
—James D. Walsh, Curbed, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grease
Verb
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Don't use water on raw or oiled wood surfaces.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
22 May 2026
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Getting a wing who can defend, shoot and dribble adequately would have oiled the cogs of an often clunky offense.—
Varun Shankar,
Houston Chronicle,
4 May 2026
Verb
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And all of that will be facilitated by board of trade discussions with the Chinese.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
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There’s also a spacious indoor area filled with educational toys and games, and the friendly staff facilitate thoughtful activities like Nautical Knot Tying, Anguillan Boat Racing, nature walks, steel drum lessons, and sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Timeline Monday, May 18A very young 7%-lit waxing crescent moon appears low in the west shortly after sunset, sitting very close to brilliant Venus.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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What to know about lunar phase By May 18, the moon will be just about 5% full and in a waxing crescent phase, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Chain The final check is to make sure the bike’s chain is properly lubricated and not overly stretched out.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
8 May 2026
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Water Drinking an adequate amount of water daily has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, lubricate your joints, and benefit your overall health.—
Laura Schober,
Health,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This one hails from Memphis and excludes a sauce altogether — although feel free to wet your ribs with whatever sauce tickles your fancy.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
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Avoid wetting foliage when watering plants or water in the morning if using overhead sprinklers to help minimize foliar disease.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grease. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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