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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Gazans’ support for the October 7 attack appears to have oscillated in recent months.
—
Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
President Trump’s escalating trade tensions and oscillating policies with Canada, Mexico and China have sent the stock market reeling in recent days, and the Labor Department reported Wednesday that consumer prices ticked up during Trump’s first full month in office.
—Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025
Guests enjoy a private beach and tons of natural light within the house, and afternoons are best spent oscillating between swims and sundeck bathing.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
Researchers around the world spotted an unusual oscillating sine wave sketched across seismographs.
—Darren Orf, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
President Trump’s escalating trade tensions and oscillating policies with Canada, Mexico and China have sent the stock market reeling in recent days, and the Labor Department reported Wednesday that consumer prices ticked up during Trump’s first full month in office.
—Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025
Guests enjoy a private beach and tons of natural light within the house, and afternoons are best spent oscillating between swims and sundeck bathing.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
Researchers around the world spotted an unusual oscillating sine wave sketched across seismographs.
—Darren Orf, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate
Verb
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In the wake of the administration’s fluctuating messaging on tariffs, chip manufacturers are finding themselves in a tight spot ahead of key earnings reports.—
Miranda Nazzaro,
The Hill,
17 Apr. 2025
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Humidity will rust metal, and the fluctuating conditions can split wood.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Poirier has alternated wins and losses over his past six fights.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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For the past two decades, the United States and China have alternated as the top destination for Japanese exports.—
River Akira Davis,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The dining room was all warm, wooden paneling that undulated across the ceiling, booths like half-moons and mostly quiet tables ogling each course … and the champagne cart that coasted throughout the room.—
Chelsea Brasted,
Axios,
18 Dec. 2024
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The design firm of Bells + Whistle created a dining room with textured walls that re-create the layered strata of ocean cliffs and an undulating white oak ceiling that mimics the look of rolling ocean waves.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The second player swings the ball across the top of the key to the second side.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
18 Apr. 2025
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The former mayor of Salzburg gave the project the go-head in 2024, but now a governmental skirmish has begun after the mayoral office swung from the political right to the left after an election.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillate. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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