ooze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ooze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slow, gradual flow of a liquid or substance, often in a way that suggests it is seeping or leaking out. Example: "The syrup began to ooze from the sides of the pancake, creating a deliciously sticky mess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I have also walked in the mud at low tide, losing more than one sandal to the thick ooze of the mangrove substrate that can sink you thigh-deep in places.

The Guardian

The dialogue is perfect: the broker waxes inanely on ("A lovely space"), and the prospective buyers ooze gratitude at being granted a viewing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The melancholy poetry of its secular patron saint, Philip Larkin, seems to ooze from the banks of the Humber.

The Guardian

Absolutely," he said on Friday, not long after batting Tomas Berdych out of the way in little over an hour, 6-3, 6-3, to ooze into the semi-finals of the Rome Masters, one of the two ATP 1000 events – along with Monte Carlo – that he has not won.

The Guardian - Sport

Its polished sound and visuals ooze quality.

The Guardian - Tech

It's one of those soupy, miasmic New York summer nights when you can feel the microbial rot ooze down your throat with each breath.

The Economist

Newspapers enjoy such close ties with politicians and companies that news in Japan does not so much break as ooze.

The Economist

The second was claimed, for a little less, by a man with a shaven head, a leather coat and a heavily bandaged right fist.Back to top >>WednesdayFROM Heidar Aliev airport I flew back to Moscow, where the streets seemed to be dissolving in a sort of primeval winter ooze: you might half-expect a great, hairy, prehistoric arm to reach out from the slush and drag you under.

The Economist

In "The Company" too, the best things are the ones that slowly ooze from the text.

The Economist

As round after round of this shattered ammunition accumulates, the resulting debris can turn the soil toxic, or ooze its way into the groundwater.In this section Consumer culture Brass hats led to tungsten The numbers game Pump up the volume ReprintsThe cost of cleaning up this mess is the reason behind the shift to non-toxic bullets.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Whenever you see a picture of Putin oozing machismo in the wild, he's always kitted out in military-grade apparel.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ooze" to describe a quality or characteristic, consider whether a more specific verb might provide greater clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "he oozed confidence", you might say "he radiated confidence".

Common error

Avoid using "ooze" excessively to describe abstract qualities or emotions, as it can sometimes sound cliché or melodramatic. Opt for more precise verbs to convey the intended meaning with greater nuance and impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "ooze" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a thick, often unpleasant liquid. As a verb, it describes the action of a liquid slowly seeping or leaking out. Ludwig AI confirms that the usage is correct and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "ooze" functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting a slow flow of liquid or the emanation of a quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's frequently used in news, media, and encyclopedia contexts, as well as academic and scientific writing. While generally neutral, careful attention should be given to avoiding overuse in abstract contexts to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "seep" or "exude" can provide more specific nuances depending on the intended meaning. The prevalence of examples indicates that "ooze" is a common and versatile term in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seep

Implies a slow, gradual flow, similar to "ooze" but often suggests a more subtle leakage.

exude

Focuses on the emission of a substance or quality, often implying abundance or intensity.

leak

Suggests an unintended escape of liquid or gas.

drip

Describes a falling of liquid in individual drops.

trickle

Refers to a small, gentle flow.

emanate

Describes the origination or emission of something abstract like a feeling or idea.

discharge

Indicates a release or emission, often in a more forceful or controlled manner.

secrete

Refers to the production and release of a substance by a gland or cell.

percolate

Suggests a slow filtering or spreading, often through a porous material.

weep

To express sorrow, pain or emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "ooze" in a sentence?

You can use "ooze" to describe a liquid slowly seeping out, such as "The syrup began to ooze from the pancake". You can also use it to describe a quality or feeling that seems to radiate from someone, such as "He seemed to ooze confidence".

What are some synonyms for "ooze"?

Some synonyms for "ooze" include "seep", "exude", "leak", and "drip". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "ooze confidence" or "exude confidence"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "exude confidence" often carries a stronger connotation of outward expression and abundance, whereas "ooze confidence" may suggest a more subtle or pervasive quality.

What does it mean when something is described as "ooze"?

When something is described as "ooze", it implies that it is a thick or viscous substance that flows slowly and steadily, often in an unpleasant or unattractive way. The term can also be used figuratively to describe a quality or feeling that seems to emanate or seep out from something or someone.