1
as in fluctuated
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 alternated
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 oscillated
Italy has traditionally oscillated between European leadership and peripheral frustration.
—
Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
Headlines oscillated between confidence and confusion.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
The tone oscillated between humor and provocation.
—Spriha Srivastava, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026
In other words, their systems oscillated between states of threat and shutdown, not a balanced state of safe emotional regulation.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Having oscillated between flowing lengths and a lob, Millie Bobby Brown is now officially Millie Bobby Bob again.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2026
An inconsistent scorer who oscillated between starting and the bench for the better part of four years.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
But Minnesota’s performances over the season’s first two and a half months consistently oscillated between awesome and awful.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
What national Democrats may consider In the past, the Democratic National Committee has oscillated between hosting the event in swing states and safe Democratic areas.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
Headlines oscillated between confidence and confusion.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
The tone oscillated between humor and provocation.
—Spriha Srivastava, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026
In other words, their systems oscillated between states of threat and shutdown, not a balanced state of safe emotional regulation.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Having oscillated between flowing lengths and a lob, Millie Bobby Brown is now officially Millie Bobby Bob again.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2026
An inconsistent scorer who oscillated between starting and the bench for the better part of four years.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
But Minnesota’s performances over the season’s first two and a half months consistently oscillated between awesome and awful.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
What national Democrats may consider In the past, the Democratic National Committee has oscillated between hosting the event in swing states and safe Democratic areas.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillated
Verb
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Its budget has fluctuated since its initial startup of $10 million.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
-
At the same time, silver prices have been volatile lately and premiums have fluctuated.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Over a 15-minute Zoom call Monday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid alternated between expressing confidence in his former-but-now-new offensive coordinator and stumping for his most-recently former offensive coordinator to get a head coaching job elsewhere.—
Sam McDowell
January 27,
Kansas City Star,
27 Jan. 2026
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The formation has alternated between a 4-4-2 and 4-4-1-1, as opposed to 4-2-3-1 to cater to Paqueta as a No 10.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Within seconds, Perez smacked a cellphone out of the man's hand, swung at his head and tackled him to the ground.—
Sheridan Hendrix,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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Over the past decade, screening guidelines have swung from recommending routine screening to advising against it to landing somewhere in between, and major organizations still don’t all say it the same way.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillated. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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