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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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 But the plumbing problem isn't just a question of a plunger and some elbow grease. — Steve Walsh, NPR, 4 June 2026 If a little elbow grease is all that is required, a task will be accomplished. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 The formula will work overnight—and sans elbow grease—to keep your shower cleaner. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026 Forget pluck, elbow grease and a little old-fashioned hard work. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for elbow grease

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elbow grease

Noun

But the effort was set aside after the onset of COVID-19, which caused massive disruptions across the Los Angeles Unified School District, said Michael Trujillo, a political strategist for Gonez.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Both countries have stepped up efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation and uphold international law in the strait, including hosting a summit with 51 other nations in April.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of effort

Noun

But when menstrual symptoms become severe enough to interfere with work, school, relationships or daily activities, something more serious may be going on.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Oh, and hundreds of her works fill the screen, a magnificent and vibrant tour through her glorious career.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of work

Noun

Having witnessed centuries of religious warfare in Europe, when millions were killed for their beliefs, the framers took pains to make sure nothing like that would happen here.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Perhaps second only to getting sunburned through your favorite white dress, the greatest casualty of summer fashion is the aches and pains brought on by your cutest but least supportive shoes.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 4 July 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 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of elbow grease

noun

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