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

Clay did not respond to questions Friday about the status of efforts to recover the money or whether the department is considering legal action.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2026
State law bars judges from adding items to the ballot after Tuesday, a tight deadline that could scramble Hanaway’s efforts to overturn the ruling.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 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

If 2024 was the growing-pains season, when Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese entered as rookies and were still paid around $75,000, 2025 was defined by impending CBA negotiations.

— Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026
West Nile symptoms A full 80% of those infected may not show symptoms, but 20% have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or fatigue.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 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 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of elbow grease

noun

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