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
  • Behind her is a painting of her family farm in Oak Ridge, Missouri.
    — Kelly Yamanouchi, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Mediums range from paintings and drawings to light and video installations.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 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
  • Some Grouper tracks are cosmic, with synths appearing like auroras along the firmament; others use wispy, haunted vocals and acoustic guitar like gentle brushstrokes on a boundless canvas.
    — Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The kingdom’s painters gave their canvases to palm trees and dates, dhows and calligraphy, while crude merely paid for the paint.
    — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of canvas

Phrases Containing oil

Browse Nearby Words

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 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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