fluctuate

verb

fluc·​tu·​ate ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce fluctuate (audio)
-chü-ˌāt
fluctuated; fluctuating
Synonyms of fluctuatenext

intransitive verb

1
: to shift back and forth uncertainly
Oil prices fluctuated.
Temperatures fluctuated.
2
: to rise and fall in or as if in waves
The boat fluctuated on the rough sea.

transitive verb

: to cause to fluctuate

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for fluctuate

swing, sway, oscillate, vibrate, fluctuate, waver, undulate mean to move from one direction to its opposite.

swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

Examples of fluctuate in a Sentence

His popularity has fluctuated during his term in office. In the desert, the temperature fluctuates dramatically.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As markets fluctuate wildly, stocks teeter on uncertainty, and companies tighten budgets, professionals across industries are questioning their future. — Margie Warrell, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Fuel prices began to drop the next month but continued to fluctuate between 2022 and 2024. — Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Mar. 2025 These increases do not include other parts of power bills that could also fluctuate, such as the way Florida Power & Light customers are paying a fee of about $12 per month on this year’s bills for costs associated with 2024 hurricanes. — Emily L. Mahoney, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2025 One client recently explained how pharmacy pricing fluctuates depending on which insurance card is used, and how pharmacists can leverage a Universal Rx system to find the lowest available price. — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluctuate

Word History

Etymology

Latin fluctuatus, past participle of fluctuare, from fluctus flow, wave, from fluere — more at fluid

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluctuate was in 1604

Rhymes for fluctuate

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Browse Nearby Words

fluctuate
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Cite this Entry

“Fluctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuate. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

fluctuate

verb
fluc·​tu·​ate ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce fluctuate (audio)
fluctuated; fluctuating
1
: to move up and down or back and forth like a wave
2
: to be constantly changing especially up and down
fluctuation
ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce fluctuate (audio)
noun

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Nglish: Translation of fluctuate for Spanish Speakers

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