lubricate

verb

ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
Definition of lubricatenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 lubricate In general, older knees also have less lubricating synovial fluid than younger ones and the fluid is more watery and carries fewer nutrients. — Aaron Steckelberg, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 Separating fuel from oil Small turbojet engines often use fuel mixed with oil to lubricate internal bearings. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026 This is often achieved through lubricating the stomach or digestive tract. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026 If your shutters have hinges, clean the hardware and lubricate the hinges every month to keep them working properly. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lubricate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lubricate
  1. grease
  2. oil
Verb
  • Lightly grease a 2-quart ceramic or glass baking dish with baking spray.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • These hostesses greased the gears of power in the capital, and an invitation to their dinners was a chance to rub shoulders with Cabinet members and ambassadors and, occasionally, a bona fide celebrity.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of grease
Verb
  • Lightly oil your hands and punch down dough, then transfer to prepared pan.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
  • To do so, place the slices in a nonstick or lightly oiled skillet over low to medium-low heat and cover the pan.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of oil

Browse Nearby Words

lubbers
lubricate
lubricated
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Cite this Entry

“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lubricate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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