fluctuate
verb
fluc·tu·ate
ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt 
-chü-ˌāt
fluctuated; fluctuating
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.
: to cause to fluctuate
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
The findings suggest that, in the future, whale songs can be used to discern how well the marine mammals respond to fluctuating ocean conditions.
—
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
Larsson, whose playing time has fluctuated throughout the season, didn’t produce the best stat line with 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting from the field and 2-of-5 shooting on threes and one assist in 28 minutes off the Heat’s bench in Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
These costs can fluctuate over time and should be factored into long-term financial planning.
—True Tamplin, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
In 2025, however, it’s fluctuated significantly due to concerns about a possible recession caused by pending tariffs and layoffs.
—Steve Vernon, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluctuate
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Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
Larsson, whose playing time has fluctuated throughout the season, didn’t produce the best stat line with 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting from the field and 2-of-5 shooting on threes and one assist in 28 minutes off the Heat’s bench in Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
These costs can fluctuate over time and should be factored into long-term financial planning.
—True Tamplin, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
In 2025, however, it’s fluctuated significantly due to concerns about a possible recession caused by pending tariffs and layoffs.
—Steve Vernon, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluctuate
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuate. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fluctuate
verb
fluc·tu·ate
ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt
fluctuated; fluctuating
1
: to move up and down or back and forth like a wave
2
: to be constantly changing especially up and down
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