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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oscillation
Maybe this nonstop back-and-forth, this spiritual reverb, this throb-throb oscillation between the actual and the symbolic, the objective and the imagined, is the heartbeat of Moby-Dick.
—
James Parker, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
That’s five times the oscillation degree of our other picks.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2026
One major natural factor in global temperatures is the El Nino/La Nina oscillation — a cyclic warming or cooling of the equatorial Pacific that changes weather across much of the planet.
—Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026
But the high-speed footage acted like a time-lapse movie of the destruction, allowing the team to map every oscillation in real time.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
James Parker, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
That’s five times the oscillation degree of our other picks.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2026
One major natural factor in global temperatures is the El Nino/La Nina oscillation — a cyclic warming or cooling of the equatorial Pacific that changes weather across much of the planet.
—Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026
But the high-speed footage acted like a time-lapse movie of the destruction, allowing the team to map every oscillation in real time.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
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The danger is greatest during temperature fluctuations.—
Ross Guidotti,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
By decoding the core mechanics of turbulent fluctuations, this research offers a new lens through which to view everything from the vast circulation of global oceans to the high-pressure environments inside jet engines.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Anyone who has experienced a sound bath will recognize how quickly rhythmic sound and vibration can induce a sense of calm.—
Chloe Burcham,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2026
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This balancing service corrects the weight distribution of the tire and reduces vibrations from the road while driving.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Signaling the need for change Strazik worked in GE’s aviation engine and gas power businesses before taking over what was then GE Power in 2021.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Shape, texture, information Beyond visual changes, the smart skin can also reveal hidden information through mechanical deformation.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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After 10 weeks without food, Muraisi is experiencing involuntary muscular twitching and severe chest pains, according to Prisoners for Palestine, with her doctors warning of possible cardiovascular collapse.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
14 Jan. 2026
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Patients first experience twitching or weakness in a limb, as Decker did.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
16 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Its strength ranges from mild, causing little more discomfort than a slight trembling, to severe, in which passengers or flight crew can be thrown around the cabin and risk injury if not wearing seatbelts.—
Cat Rainsford,
Popular Science,
15 Jan. 2026
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There’s Walter’s serene cello and Marjorie’s pensive, slightly coy violin, sometimes playful or petulant or, still, a little vain and secretive — other times thin and trembling, lost in the haze of dementia.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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