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.
Related Words
Relevance
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.
Related Words
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 oscillate
This wet-dry vacuum hosts up to 60 minutes of run time, including a hard-floor brush and a carpet brush for oscillating between surfaces, and a self-cleaning brush roll.
—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
25 June 2026
The result is a movement whose surfaces absorb and redirect light in alternating intensities, oscillating in an almost alchemical interplay of matte depth and metallic sheen as the wrist moves.
—
Richard Mille Contributor,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
From oscillating fans to ice-cold beverages to no-cook dinners, keeping your home comfortable may require some creative tweaks and a break from routine.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
23 June 2026
Children are well catered for, adults can oscillate between wellness and mild debauchery, and the sheer variety of spaces means groups can coexist without being on top of one another.
—
Arion McNicoll,
TheWeek,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
25 June 2026
The result is a movement whose surfaces absorb and redirect light in alternating intensities, oscillating in an almost alchemical interplay of matte depth and metallic sheen as the wrist moves.
—
Richard Mille Contributor,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
From oscillating fans to ice-cold beverages to no-cook dinners, keeping your home comfortable may require some creative tweaks and a break from routine.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
23 June 2026
Children are well catered for, adults can oscillate between wellness and mild debauchery, and the sheer variety of spaces means groups can coexist without being on top of one another.
—
Arion McNicoll,
TheWeek,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate
Verb
-
When alerts start to fluctuate unpredictably or systems require constant recalibration, teams often lose trust quickly.
-
Even summer packing lists call for a lightweight layer to beat fluctuating cabin temperatures and breezy oceanfront evenings, which is why the BeCalm Wrap-front Long-sleeve Shirt is a no-brainer buy at 38 percent off.
Verb
-
The Beltline offers both a glorious and frustrating mix of crowds and alternating speeds — an awkward mixture of wheels and legs.
-
The custom, with the speakers alternating between our two political parties, continues to this day.
Verb
-
During the Knicks’ victory parade, the undulating downtown crowd looked, from afar, not unlike a school of tropical clown fish.
-
The mountains, undulating pasture and forest that surround Lanserhof Lans are a potent medicine in themselves.
Verb
-
Beat a prime Holloway at 170, though, and the door swings back open to the paydays he's chased since the rematch became official.
-
To the fans who have watched the Warriors swing and miss on free agents and various trade targets over the last few years, watching Simons sign with another team was painful.
Cite this Entry
“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
