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
Two airflow outlets on either side of the loop can be configured for 0, 45, or 90 degrees of oscillation action.
—
John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
That is an oscillation of the Moon, causing parts near the edge of the disc that are often not visible from the Earth to sometimes come into view.
—Ray Petelin, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
There are some adjustments that stand out — the Nationals are crushing fastballs and swinging less with two strikes — but overall, this is an offense of oscillation.
—Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2026
For instance, light particles like positrons (or electrons, in this experiment) need extremely fast oscillations, gigahertz (GHz) frequencies, to stay confined.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
That is an oscillation of the Moon, causing parts near the edge of the disc that are often not visible from the Earth to sometimes come into view.
—Ray Petelin, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
There are some adjustments that stand out — the Nationals are crushing fastballs and swinging less with two strikes — but overall, this is an offense of oscillation.
—Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2026
For instance, light particles like positrons (or electrons, in this experiment) need extremely fast oscillations, gigahertz (GHz) frequencies, to stay confined.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
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From an archival standpoint, Evans also worried about the long-term effects of keeping the Declaration housed against an exterior wall, where temperature fluctuations were more extreme.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
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Regions with steady, low-fluctuation light signal stable systems.—
Bree Shirvell,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Other things flying up include flexible repair patches for sealing the space station’s hull, a replacement ultrasonic inspection tool, spare units for the station’s vibration monitoring system and parts to improve water processing and oxygen generation.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
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Early on Monday evening, Iris van Herpen could already feel the vibration in the room.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
Noun
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The spinoff will feature Beth Dutton riding horses more frequently, a change from her character's past trauma.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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Perhaps the most controversial coaching change of the offseason came in Buffalo, as the Bills moved on from Sean McDermott and elevated Brady, the offensive coordinator, to take his place.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
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Casting near banks and using a twitching technique can increase success during the hatch.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
14 May 2026
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During this phase, octopuses display visible twitching along with rapid changes in skin color and texture, per NPR.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
16 May 2026
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The team also found that certain near-surface features, such as softer rock layers above where the stopping phase happens, can further enhance it, leading to more severe shaking of the ground at the surface.—
Jacek Krywko,
Scientific American,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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All the trembling, as Kimbangu touched the sick, alarmed European settlers and reassured the plantation workers who trekked to Nkamba in search of healing.—
Rodney Muhumuza,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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At first this change of scale vivifies the butterfly—its brief stillness, the angle of its wings, its trembling—while freezing everything else, including the novel’s action.—
Ben Lerner,
The New York Review of Books,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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