oil 1 of 2

Definition of oilnext

oil

2 of 2

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
Almost daily long-range attacks on Russian oil facilities have created a fuel crisis and heaped political pressure on the Kremlin as its all-out invasion of Ukraine stretches into its fifth year. ABC News, 4 July 2026 One of the Ukrainian attacks targeted an oil terminal at a port in the city of Kerch, creating smoke that could be seen miles away. Marc Santora, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Verb
At that point, a piston forces oil upward through small or large openings and valves, depending on the velocity of the impact. Stephanie Pearson, Wired News, 3 June 2026 Cavallari posted a clip of her and her oiled-up, bronzed six-pack in action on Instagram. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for oil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oil
Noun
  • Hitler’s picture was exchanged for a painting of Alexander Hamilton, the father of the Coast Guard.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Because a painting is only as good as its canvas, this 2-in-1 priming and setting spray was used to prep the skin before blush and other makeup products.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Whether they're getting greased after a Super Bowl or spoiling All-Star rosters, does any city's poles get as much attention as Philadelphia's?
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
  • Proponents hope the move – also known as the PhilAtom Law – will boost public trust and grease the wheels of foreign investment.
    Lorela U. Sandoval, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The coated canvas is super durable and will only get better with age.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • Its link with the automobile world dates back to 1897, with the launch of Georges Vuitton’s pioneering Malle Auto car trunk made of durable Vuittonite canvas.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oil. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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