1
as in to fluctuate
to move back and forth in a rhythmic manner
When a guitar string is plucked, it oscillates to produce sound waves in the air.
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2
as in to alternate
to continuously change from one belief, feeling, or condition to an opposite one
The model's hair color oscillates between bleach blond and jet black.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oscillate
Studies oscillate between whether women who are child-free are ultimately happier or whether the reverse is true.
—
Ruthie Ackerman, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
Prices of stocks and bonds, along with long-term interest rates, have oscillated up and down in response to the daily verbal sallies from the White House.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2025
If oscillating toothbrushes feel too intense on your gums, the Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush is a gentler powerhouse.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2025
These were: P-waves, which oscillate back and forth similar to how a sound wave propagates; S-waves which oscillate up and down, perpendicular to the direction of travel; and surface waves, which travel along the surface of Mars similar to ripples in a pond.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Ruthie Ackerman, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
Prices of stocks and bonds, along with long-term interest rates, have oscillated up and down in response to the daily verbal sallies from the White House.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2025
If oscillating toothbrushes feel too intense on your gums, the Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush is a gentler powerhouse.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 31 Mar. 2025
These were: P-waves, which oscillate back and forth similar to how a sound wave propagates; S-waves which oscillate up and down, perpendicular to the direction of travel; and surface waves, which travel along the surface of Mars similar to ripples in a pond.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate
Verb
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Even as political power shifted, the climate fluctuated and the wall went up, the apocalypse still hadn’t quite arrived.—
Lizzie Wade,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 May 2025
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What Happens Next Trump's approval rating could fluctuate in the coming weeks, depending on the outcome of key events, including critical negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war, the evolving tariff situation and concerns about a recession.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 May 2025
Verb
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What Causes Them? At around 10–12 weeks, babies begin to develop a circadian rhythm, marking a shift toward more adult-like sleep cycles with alternating deep and light stages.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
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Frantic editing ensures that scenes flash forward and backward in time, sometimes within a minute: these alternating shots work like a visual metronome, ticking from side to side.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Nearby, Casa Milà stands tall with its twisted white pillars stemming from the roof and undulating stone facade.—
Jennifer Fernández Solano,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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Create an even or slightly undulating mowing surface by filling holes and low spots in the turf.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2025
Verb
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Happ’s oblique bothered him the most when attempting to swing.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2025
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In between the European trips, Biden had swung back to the United States to be at home in Wilmington, Delaware, for the verdict of his son Hunter Biden's guns case trial.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillate. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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