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
Writing essays, in the same way, lubricates my writing of fiction and vice versa—by distracting me and taking my thoughts elsewhere.
—
Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
The train ended up partially in the water, releasing diesel and lubricating oil into the river and spilling coal on the banks.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
When you are completely done with pruning for the day, disinfect again, wipe them dry and lubricate with mineral oil before storing.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
Over the course of the evening, Hedda’s job is to lubricate the estimable Professor Greenwood (Finbar Lynch), in whose hands her husband’s fate lies.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
The train ended up partially in the water, releasing diesel and lubricating oil into the river and spilling coal on the banks.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
When you are completely done with pruning for the day, disinfect again, wipe them dry and lubricate with mineral oil before storing.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
Over the course of the evening, Hedda’s job is to lubricate the estimable Professor Greenwood (Finbar Lynch), in whose hands her husband’s fate lies.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lubricate
Verb
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Lightly grease paper with softened butter.—
Holly Riordan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
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Apply the paste to grease stains and let the paste sit for a couple of minutes.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Routine Maintenance for Your Butcher Block Keeping butcher block properly oiled is one of the best ways to protect it from wear and bacteria.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
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Prevent rust by cleaning cast iron right after cooking, drying it thoroughly, and oiling it every time.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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