1
as in fluctuation
the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another
fickle springtime weather in which there seemed to be an unceasing oscillation between unseasonable heat and unseasonable cold
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2
as in vibration
a series of slight movements by a body back and forth or from side to side
the precise oscillations of the quartz crystal that allows a quartz watch to keep such accurate time
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oscillation
Typically, these oscillations are associated with memory retrieval, dreaming and deep meditation.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
The competing forces of gravity and pressure generated by photons caused the particles to go awry, bouncing around and creating waves called baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs).
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2025
About 15 minutes later, a weakened version of this oscillation occurred again, followed shortly thereafter by oscillations at a different frequency, this one with properties that are commonly seen on European grids.
—ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
Unlike Washington, New Delhi cannot tolerate violent oscillations in its bilateral relationship with Beijing and, depending on the future trajectory of U.S. policy, may edge closer to China as circumstances demand.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
The competing forces of gravity and pressure generated by photons caused the particles to go awry, bouncing around and creating waves called baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs).
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2025
About 15 minutes later, a weakened version of this oscillation occurred again, followed shortly thereafter by oscillations at a different frequency, this one with properties that are commonly seen on European grids.
—ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
Unlike Washington, New Delhi cannot tolerate violent oscillations in its bilateral relationship with Beijing and, depending on the future trajectory of U.S. policy, may edge closer to China as circumstances demand.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
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Daily weight fluctuations are normal and shouldn't discourage weight loss efforts.—
Bryant Stamford,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
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Amid the ongoing tariff situation, which GM already anticipates will cost the company up to $5 billion this year, fluctuations in the supply chain and manufacturing strategies may further impede decisions surrounding how to approach warranty issues, Windau said.—
Jackie Charniga,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
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These devices continuously monitor temperature, vibration, pressure or other variables across factory floors and other industrial sites, feeding data directly into ERP systems and analytics platforms for faster, more accurate decision making.—
Robert Kramer,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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The vibration of that particular moment was in sync with the song’s message and the pitch of my voice.—
Ernesto Lechner,
Rolling Stone,
24 July 2025
Noun
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What to order at Carry On Each year, the origin and destination cities change.—
Bahar Anooshahr,
AZCentral.com,
31 July 2025
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One week after news broke that some district leaders have access to funds that lack public oversight, Jefferson County Board of Education members are considering changes to an agreement that dictates how the money can be spent.—
Krista Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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