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
Schreacke’s role remained consistent with perimeter shooting and floor spacing, but her effectiveness fluctuated.
—
Aaron Segal, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Those tariff policies fluctuated wildly over the following months as Trump made deals and walked back some of the most extreme duties.
—Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
And relying on personal vehicles means budgeting for expenses such as gas (often fluctuating), insurance, and general maintenance.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
And while some rentals in the area do offer on-site care at fluctuating market rates, as a Continuing Care Retirement Community(CCRC), the cost of care at Vi at Aventura is built into residents’ monthly fees, providing greater financial predictability and long-term value.
—Vi At Aventura, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fluctuate
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Aaron Segal, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Those tariff policies fluctuated wildly over the following months as Trump made deals and walked back some of the most extreme duties.
—Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
And relying on personal vehicles means budgeting for expenses such as gas (often fluctuating), insurance, and general maintenance.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
And while some rentals in the area do offer on-site care at fluctuating market rates, as a Continuing Care Retirement Community(CCRC), the cost of care at Vi at Aventura is built into residents’ monthly fees, providing greater financial predictability and long-term value.
—Vi At Aventura, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fluctuate
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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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