oil 1 of 2

noun

ˈȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce oil (audio)
Definition of oilnext
as in painting
a picture created with oil paint that artist is known to have created only oils and charcoal sketches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Oilfield-services giant Halliburton is also in talks to bring equipment to the country, and executives from several oil-and-gas companies will sign production deals next week, the report added. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Iranian crude oil loaded for export plunged in August, according to data shared Thursday by trade intelligence firm Kpler. — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
Warm Wood with Brushed Brass Probably the most obvious sign your kitchen is not a member of Generation Alpha is warm wood cabinetry and brushed or oiled brass hardware, especially if both elements feature highly decorative details. — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for oil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oil
  1. painting
  2. grease
  3. canvas
Noun
  • This family-centric trackside event features free kids’ games, face painting, inflatable attractions and activities alongside a day full of exciting racing.
    — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • From the earliest days of photography, artists have staged tableaux for the camera, often using painting and literature as inspiration.
    — Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of painting
Verb
  • Rectitude is a hindrance in the game of electoral politics, where money greases the slippery pole and glad-hands welcome the winner with inside information.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Recipe Tips for Pink Lemonade Cake Lightly grease the baking sheet with softened butter or nonstick spray before placing the piece of parchment across the bottom.
    — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of grease
Noun
  • Repetitive motifs in various shapes were her trademark, resembling netting, swirls or worms, but most often dots, dancing proudly on her canvases or as sparkling balls or dots of light in her installations in all their vibrant, psychedelic glory.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The current seller has retained much of the original design while presenting the penthouse as a potential canvas for renovation, according to the Christie’s representative.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of canvas

Phrases Containing oil

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ohs
oil
oiled
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Cite this Entry

“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oil. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oil

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