grease the wheels

VERB

assist

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aid back benefit boost cooperate expedite facilitate reinforce support sustain take care of

STRONG

abet collaborate further hype plug puff push relieve serve stump thump

WEAK

bail out do for give a boost give a leg up give a lift go down the line for go for go to bat for go with lend a hand make a pitch for open doors put on the map ride shotgun root for run interference for stand up for work for work with

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block check delay discourage halt handicap hinder hurt impede injure obstruct prevent stop undermine

STRONG

conceal frustrate hide

WEAK

thwart

VERB

facilitate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aid ease expedite further help promote simplify speed

STRONG

forward smooth

WEAK

hand-carry make easy open doors run interference for speed up walk through

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block cease check delay halt hinder hurt impede injure make difficult obstruct slow stop worsen

WEAK

detain prohibit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The U.S. helped grease the wheels of global commerce, expanding trade and providing security.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

Yet as long as unemployment remains low, Americans should have enough confidence to keep spending to grease the wheels of the economy.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 15, 2025

But as Douthat knows, some pretense is always necessary to grease the wheels of personal relations, especially of diplomacy.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2025

That could help Capital One and Discover grease the wheels with regulators and gain approval for the deal because antitrust regulators have long had those payment giants in their crosshairs.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

"I told 'ee to grease the wheels afore we come out."

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 159, August 4th, 1920 by Various

grease the wheels

Example Sentences

Related Words