Synonyms for

Oil

Verb / ɔɪl / Another word for oil — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a viscous liquid derived from petroleum, especially for use as a fuel or lubricant.

Synonyms & similar words

vegetableoil fossiloil anele inunct rockoil crudeoil anoint embrocate crude petroleum oilcolor oilcolour petroleum gasoline fuel lubricant grease fat butter ghee tallow petrol diesel kerosene

Synonyms by register

Formal

petroleum lubricant hydrocarbon

Informal

grease goo gunk

Literary

nectar elixir

Antonyms

water dryness solid gas air fire

Common collocations

  • engine oil
  • motor oil
  • cooking oil
  • olive oil
  • oil spill
  • oil painting
  • oil rig
  • oil slick

Word family

noun oil
verb oil
adjective oily

Usage note

While 'oil' can refer to various viscous liquids, in common usage it often implies petroleum-based products. Be mindful of context when using more specific terms like 'petroleum' or 'lubricant'.

Example sentences

  1. I spilled oil on the driveway.
  2. The oil in the lamp is running low.
  3. We use olive oil to cook with.
  4. The chef added a drizzle of truffle oil to the dish.
  5. My mom puts oil on my scalp to keep my hair healthy.

Quotes

  • Oil is like a wild animal. Whoever captures it has it. - J. Paul Getty
  • “You can't make a racehorse out of a pig. But you can make a mighty fast pig.” - Carroll Shelby
  • “The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun.” - Ralph Nader

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