as in to grease
to coat (something) with a slippery substance in order to reduce friction
used a petroleum based machine oil to lubricate the gears
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Recent Examples of lubricate
By just expressing interest in the discussion, nodding their heads, vocalizing, saying 'tell me more,' making eye contact — that lubricates the wheels of communication.
—
Malaka Gharib, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
The framers conceived a system with checks and balances, but historically it has been lubricated by personal relationships, favors, horse trading and socializing.
—Peter Baker, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Butter also lubricates your mouth, which tends to compliment the dish’s natural astringency.
—Rosemary Trout, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024
Wine has for centuries played an outsize role in Moldova’s relationship with Russia, both lubricating and at times poisoning ties between what, until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, were two parts of the same country.
—Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Malaka Gharib, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
The framers conceived a system with checks and balances, but historically it has been lubricated by personal relationships, favors, horse trading and socializing.
—Peter Baker, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Butter also lubricates your mouth, which tends to compliment the dish’s natural astringency.
—Rosemary Trout, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024
Wine has for centuries played an outsize role in Moldova’s relationship with Russia, both lubricating and at times poisoning ties between what, until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, were two parts of the same country.
—Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Cite this Entry
“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricate. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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