1
as in fluctuations
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 vibrations
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 oscillations
Since high-frequency acoustic oscillations can also be used to manipulate quantum states, phonon lasers could be deployed to study them in greater detail and open avenues for future quantum sensing and quantum computing.
—
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
The oscillations are influenced by the structure of the Sun's interior, which is defined by flows of plasma within the convective layer.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Taken altogether, this explains the decrease in time between SN 2024afav’s luminosity oscillations and confirms Kasen’s magnetar theory.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026
There’s not much to quibble with in the market’s to-and-fro oscillations among sectors and themes so far.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
Casimir said the plates would act as a kind of guillotine for the electromagnetic field, chopping off long-wavelength oscillations in a way that would skew the zero-point energy.
—George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2026
Still others use the sun’s oscillations (essentially hot liquid earthquakes) to get a secondhand glance at its interior.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025
Certain kinds of atomic nuclei—including those of the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule—can be made to oscillate in a magnetic field, and these oscillations can be detected with coils of wire.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
The oscillations are influenced by the structure of the Sun's interior, which is defined by flows of plasma within the convective layer.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Taken altogether, this explains the decrease in time between SN 2024afav’s luminosity oscillations and confirms Kasen’s magnetar theory.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026
There’s not much to quibble with in the market’s to-and-fro oscillations among sectors and themes so far.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
Casimir said the plates would act as a kind of guillotine for the electromagnetic field, chopping off long-wavelength oscillations in a way that would skew the zero-point energy.
—George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2026
Still others use the sun’s oscillations (essentially hot liquid earthquakes) to get a secondhand glance at its interior.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025
Certain kinds of atomic nuclei—including those of the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule—can be made to oscillate in a magnetic field, and these oscillations can be detected with coils of wire.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillations
Noun
-
However, focusing on fluctuations in the spot market misses the bigger picture.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
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Women’s Health Network notes that hormonal fluctuations trigger cortisol release that actively derails the circadian sleep cycle, and women in this transition are more vulnerable to adrenal stress responses than at any other life stage.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The vibrations are converted into electrical signals and analyzed using deep learning algorithms developed by Appaji and his team at the university in collaboration with Dozee.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Vital signs, such as breathing and heartbeats, naturally generate low-frequency vibrations that cause the skull to vibrate.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Because there’s no telling how many times this bell will ring before changes are ushered in.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
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Even minor changes in clouds, wind or storms can force delays, especially for a mission of this scale.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillations. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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