1
as in fluctuating
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 alternating
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 oscillating
Trump has spent the past week oscillating wildly between threats of war and offers of peace.
—
Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Duzsik tosses and turns, oscillating between what feels like sincerity and his awareness that he’s being manipulated.
—Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2026
An oscillating multi-tool is better for large jobs, and it can also be used for other projects.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 5 Jan. 2026
An oscillating fan hung on a cinder block wall in the one of the rooms caused an electrical fire, Beal said.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 12 Dec. 2025
Their modulator uses microwave-frequency vibrations, oscillating billions of times per second, to manipulate laser light with remarkable precision.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Dec. 2025
Wertheim marveled at the oscillating motion.
—Will Croxton, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
The same year, the architect turned his sole proprietor firm into a partnership with several senior architects and continued to build his oscillating architecture in cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2025
Kenny thinks of it in the same way as Star Wars and the oscillating reactions to the releases that came out after the original trilogy, including the prequels.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Nov. 2025
Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Duzsik tosses and turns, oscillating between what feels like sincerity and his awareness that he’s being manipulated.
—Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2026
An oscillating multi-tool is better for large jobs, and it can also be used for other projects.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 5 Jan. 2026
An oscillating fan hung on a cinder block wall in the one of the rooms caused an electrical fire, Beal said.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 12 Dec. 2025
Their modulator uses microwave-frequency vibrations, oscillating billions of times per second, to manipulate laser light with remarkable precision.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Dec. 2025
Wertheim marveled at the oscillating motion.
—Will Croxton, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
The same year, the architect turned his sole proprietor firm into a partnership with several senior architects and continued to build his oscillating architecture in cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2025
Kenny thinks of it in the same way as Star Wars and the oscillating reactions to the releases that came out after the original trilogy, including the prequels.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillating
Verb
-
Joy Neumeyer What do the far right’s fluctuating fortunes in Poland suggest about countries seeking an off-ramp from autocracy?—
Leah Downey,
The New York Review of Books,
7 Feb. 2026
-
In the days leading up to the deadline, Kalshi had several posts on X highlighting its event contracts on Antetokounmpo’s trade market and the fluctuating odds connected to the teams believed to be in the mix for his services.—
Jay Cohen,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Negative space really makes black polish pop, especially when alternating between solid lacquer and abstract prints.—
Samantha Brash,
InStyle,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The upper sat on an oversize block platform wrapped in alternating black-and-white horizontal stripes, while a thin, high heel dropped straight from the back of the shoe to the floor.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Figure skater Amber Glenn skated off the ice, shaking her head after an early landing bobble during today's competition.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Both physical strength and constant mental attention are required for this sport in order to control heart rate and shaking in the muscles.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Austria and Canada coming from 2-1 down to beat Japan and Brazil, the latter coming from Liam Draxl seeing out a win over Gustavo Heide despite rolling his ankle in the seventh game of the deciding rubber.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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The oversized mock-neck sweater tucks chicly into the pencil-leg pants, primed for rolling at the hems and styling with chunky sneakers for long travel days.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Mia Goth and Charli XCX, for example, have been rocking the look thanks to celebrity makeup artist Nina Park who imparted a soft-focus finish via blurred lips, diffused blush, filter-like concealers.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2026
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Afterwards, Mero slips on a puffer coat and the sort of shiesty Max B has been rocking and sinks into one of the cozy couches in the studio, dozing off a little.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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