vibrate

verb

ˈvī-ˌbrāt How to pronounce vibrate (audio)
Definition of vibratenext
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements the glasses and knickknacks on the shelves vibrated during the slight earthquake

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vibrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vibrate are fluctuate, oscillate, sway, swing, undulate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

When might fluctuate be a better fit than vibrate?

The words fluctuate and vibrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

In what contexts can oscillate take the place of vibrate?

Although the words oscillate and vibrate have much in common, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

When is it sensible to use sway instead of vibrate?

The synonyms sway and vibrate are sometimes interchangeable, but sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can swing be used instead of vibrate?

The meanings of swing and vibrate largely overlap; however, swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When is undulate a more appropriate choice than vibrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to vibrate, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When would waver be a good substitute for vibrate?

While the synonyms waver and vibrate are close in meaning, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of vibrate But, to my delight, there was a vibrating nub in the center of the silicone petals. — Amanda Chatel, Glamour, 26 Feb. 2025 Praise God … my entire body is vibrating with joy right now. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 10 Mar. 2025 The room looked like an airport lounge — gleaming white tables with copies of Foreign Policy, an inaudible conference livestream — and vibrated with the energy of journalists from around the world begging to get inside. — Caitlin L. Chandler, The Dial, 6 Mar. 2025 Seated in the audience, vibrating with anxiety, was her husband. — Hannah-Rose Yee, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vibrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vibrate
  1. shake
  2. jerk
  3. shudder
  4. tremble
  5. quiver
Verb
  • In the past, Boston has been able to shake off adversity and remain successful.
    — Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • New tariffs take effect this week upending global alliances, shaking business and consumer confidence, and rattling the markets.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of shake
Verb
  • How to jerk off Jerking off, also known as jacking off, is another technique that can be helpful in your arsenal of self-pleasure.
    — Quispe López, Them, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Cass jerked open the lever again and an unused shell arcked out and fell in the leaves beside the bleeding hound.
    — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • Oliveira’s films shudder with the mighty currents of history, whether long-ago conflicts that leave their traces in cities or ones, in Portugal or elsewhere, that leave their marks in living memory.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Workout partners on the opposite side of the heavy bag shuddered and held on for dear life as Foreman slammed into it with his gloved fists.
    — Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of shudder
Verb
  • Needless to say, those of us who remember 1987 are trembling, and were expecting a frightful jobs report.
    — Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Historians would be called in to provide context, and every social-media app would be trembling with outrage.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2025
Definition of tremble
Verb
  • His signature is shallow stones, which not only increases radiance, but also ensures the jewels move with the body, illustrated by a pair of drop earrings depicting the lifecycle of a flower from quivering bud to tiny, articulated petals that are alive with movement.
    — Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The Pearl Jam frontman plays the cover pretty straight (not that that’s a bad thing), with just acoustic guitar accompaniment and a vocal performance that’s distinctly reminiscent of Young’s soft, quivering tenor.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of quiver

Browse Nearby Words

vibrant
vibrate
vibrated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vibrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vibrate. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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