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
The device is based on oscillating water column technology, which transforms wave motion into electricity by means of a turbine.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
The sphere at the top of the node bobs in the water, with the attached tube oscillating water within it, spinning turbines inside the structure that generate electricity.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Richard Mille says the manual winding system allows for a lighter, more streamlined build, without any pesky oscillating weight taking up space.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
In one form, called continuous wave EPR, the oscillating frequency conventionally is held steady, and the stronger field is swept through a range of values, necessitating a bulky specialized electromagnet.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
The four-speed, oscillating fan isn’t particularly fancy (sorry, no Matter support), but with summer right around the corner, the staff favorite is a practical pickup that can blow air up to 34 feet away.
—Brandon Widder, The Verge, 24 Apr. 2026
One of these experiment models, ABRACADABRA, employs high-sensitivity radio to capture the faint hum of axion’s oscillating magnetic fields thanks to the close cooperation of UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
Sometimes, men were overwhelmed, and many opened up to the possibility of feminism, doubled down, then opened up again, oscillating wildly between solidarity and oppression.
—Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Vibration types Most vibration platform machines use either tri-planar or oscillating vibration.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
The sphere at the top of the node bobs in the water, with the attached tube oscillating water within it, spinning turbines inside the structure that generate electricity.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Richard Mille says the manual winding system allows for a lighter, more streamlined build, without any pesky oscillating weight taking up space.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
In one form, called continuous wave EPR, the oscillating frequency conventionally is held steady, and the stronger field is swept through a range of values, necessitating a bulky specialized electromagnet.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
The four-speed, oscillating fan isn’t particularly fancy (sorry, no Matter support), but with summer right around the corner, the staff favorite is a practical pickup that can blow air up to 34 feet away.
—Brandon Widder, The Verge, 24 Apr. 2026
One of these experiment models, ABRACADABRA, employs high-sensitivity radio to capture the faint hum of axion’s oscillating magnetic fields thanks to the close cooperation of UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
Sometimes, men were overwhelmed, and many opened up to the possibility of feminism, doubled down, then opened up again, oscillating wildly between solidarity and oppression.
—Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Vibration types Most vibration platform machines use either tri-planar or oscillating vibration.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillating
Verb
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Additionally, fluctuating Section 232 tariff costs threaten to squeeze importing margins.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
-
These bottlenecks slow decision-making in a crisis, when every second counts to maintain supply continuity and manage fluctuating costs.—
Alex Saric,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Coby White was finally traded after alternating between both backcourt positions and being a starter before landing as Charlotte’s bench gunner to end the season.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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The neighborhood It’d be easy to spend a week around Nay Palad’s beachfront area, alternating between dips in the pool, reading books in a hammock, and tours around the gin-clear water in a see-through kayak—but on-the-up Siargao is well worth exploring.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
The other shows the two world leaders shaking hands.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
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Rinse under cold water 1 minute, shaking to ensure a thorough rinse.—
Midwest Living,
Midwest Living,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Craving rolling hills, olive groves, and a glass of Chianti at dusk?—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
18 May 2026
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And don't worry about slipping or rolling your ankles, because your feet will be supported by their rubber outsole.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
There is appreciation for not rocking the boat.—
Eric Adler
May 14,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
-
And the Sabres are basically rocking the lite version of that, with Benson and Doan.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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