ELBOW GREASE Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

elbow grease

noun

Definition of elbow grease

as in effort

the active use of energy in producing a result with a little polish and a lot of elbow grease, I was able to make the old silver teapot shine again

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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 elbow grease There are also a ton of discounts on cleaning gadgets like this Dyson cordless vacuum that converts into a handheld and this Swiffer PowerMop that can make hardwood and tile floors shine without significant elbow grease. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Propellers can be particularly burdensome because rotors often need to be removed, cleaned and reinstalled, requiring some real elbow grease. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 Save yourself time and elbow grease by opting for slate, wood, or vinyl flooring that is water-resistant and easy to wipe off. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026 But the plumbing problem isn't just a question of a plunger and some elbow grease. — Steve Walsh, NPR, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for elbow grease

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elbow grease

Noun

Its architecture could contribute to future efforts involving inexpensive rockets produced in much larger quantities.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Poor Anton has been left out of the drama all day, an effort by Billie and Samir to prevent an already bad futzing from escalating to something severe, and that’s never where Anton likes to be.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of effort

Noun

Users reported problems with Outlook, while OpenAI said users may experience problems starting or continuing tasks in ChatGPT Work, temporarily disabling two of the modern office's favorite methods of assigning more work.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Aquarius January 20 – February 18 A vague request could create an impressive amount of unnecessary work today.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of work

Noun

In cases that are considered to be too severe — such as when a pregnant woman at the center began experiencing labor pains — those individuals are airlifted to a nearby hospital.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
California has taken pains to eliminate coal as a source of electricity, and this would be the first coal export terminal in California — or anywhere on the West Coast.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of pains

Browse Nearby Words

elbowed

elbow grease

elbowing

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“Elbow grease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elbow%20grease. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of elbow grease

noun

Example Sentences

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