as in painting
a picture created with oil paint
that artist is known to have created only oils and charcoal sketches
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Examples 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
Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2025
Shades: 26 Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide (SPF), seaweed extract, sesame seed oil, alfalfa seed powder, sweet almond seed meal, eucalyptus leaf oil
Size: 1 oz.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
While bamboo and wood cutting boards should never go in the dishwasher, keeping them oiled will help to prevent future stains.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oil 
Noun
That’s because oil in the $70 a barrel range doesn’t create enough of an incentive for U.S. producers to accelerate drilling.
—Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2025
Shades: 26 Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide (SPF), seaweed extract, sesame seed oil, alfalfa seed powder, sweet almond seed meal, eucalyptus leaf oil
Size: 1 oz.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
Looks like Trump might be oiling the wheels for Kennedy Jr. to determine what happens with health and science policy, operations and research in the U.S. government.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
While bamboo and wood cutting boards should never go in the dishwasher, keeping them oiled will help to prevent future stains.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oil
Noun
-
Expect a tent, live music, bagpipes, Irish dancers, and face painting for the kids.Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025
-
Evanston artist Leo Segedin infused his vivid and colorful, figurative paintings with gritty looks at cityscapes featuring at-times exaggerated personages.Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Avoid greasing: Parchment paper is nonstick, so there's no need to grease before using.Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024
-
Things went from bad to worse for the squeaky wheel as Purdy greased him with a throw with San Fran facing a third-and-4 from the L.A. 35-yard line.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Then, after the 10-second clapper sounded, both men stood toe to toe and exchanged for one final time, and a surprise head kick from Kopylov rocked Curtis, who stumbled and fell to the canvas.Simon Head, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025
-
Riddle sported an ivory twill jumpsuit by Ralph Lauren, pairing it with a canvas and leather shoulder bag by the American label.Hannah Malach, WWD, 12 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near oil
Cite this Entry
“Oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oil. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share