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
Phthalates also help lubricate substances and carry fragrances in personal care products, including deodorants; nail polishes; perfumes; hair gels, sprays or shampoos; soaps; and body lotions.
—
Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
At dinner, our five-course feasts were lubricated by small-batch Peruvian wines.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
Though cold weather doesn’t have a direct impact on joints, Travis adds, it’s been shown to lead to thickening of the synovial fluid, which lubricates your joints and acts as a shock absorber.
—Alyssa Ages, Outside, 22 Feb. 2026
Instead of forming the lubricating melt layer like water ice does on Earth, the material would sublimate, destabilizing the surface below the skis.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
At dinner, our five-course feasts were lubricated by small-batch Peruvian wines.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
Though cold weather doesn’t have a direct impact on joints, Travis adds, it’s been shown to lead to thickening of the synovial fluid, which lubricates your joints and acts as a shock absorber.
—Alyssa Ages, Outside, 22 Feb. 2026
Instead of forming the lubricating melt layer like water ice does on Earth, the material would sublimate, destabilizing the surface below the skis.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lubricate
Verb
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Fire ants are attracted to grease, so clean up any spills around your trash cans.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 May 2026
-
Lightly grease 2 baking sheets; arrange knots 2 inches apart on baking sheets.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricate. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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