undulate

verb

Definition of undulatenext
as in to oscillate
formal to move or be shaped like waves undulating hills an undulating surface

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb undulate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of undulate are fluctuate, oscillate, sway, swing, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When is fluctuate a more appropriate choice than undulate?

While in some cases nearly identical to undulate, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

Where would oscillate be a reasonable alternative to undulate?

The words oscillate and undulate can be used in similar contexts, but oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

When can sway be used instead of undulate?

While the synonyms sway and undulate are close in meaning, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When might swing be a better fit than undulate?

Although the words swing and undulate have much in common, swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When would vibrate be a good substitute for undulate?

The meanings of vibrate and undulate largely overlap; however, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

When is it sensible to use waver instead of undulate?

In some situations, the words waver and undulate are roughly equivalent. However, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of undulate Still, the showstopper here is the undulating Landscape Sofa by Nina Edwards Anker for Dune, custom upholstered in ultrasuede. —Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2025 The doorway will be undulating, the reception desk wavy, and mirrors free form, reflecting the artist’s signature organic shapes. —Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025 All are situated alongside an ingeniously undulating saltwater pool, which adds to the sensation of floating above the property. —Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025 Los Angeles police officers, as well as officers from other local police agencies and the California Highway Patrol, responded in large numbers and repeatedly moved demonstrators away from National Guard troops pushing the crowds to undulate across downtown’s civic center. —Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for undulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undulate
  1. oscillate
  2. fluctuate
  3. wave
  4. flutter
  5. vibrate
  6. shake
  7. flicker
  8. convulse
Verb
  • Ceramics has long oscillated between the functional and the artistic.
    — Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
  • And oscillating fans can sometimes disrupt sleep by creating fluctuations in air flow and noise, said Norah Simpson, a clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University.
    — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Definition of oscillate
Verb
  • Supply chains are far too intricate to accurately forecast the impacts of any single event on availability and pricing, and with tariffs fluctuating without advance notice, prices can shift dramatically faster than traditional quarterly cycles allow.
    — Rochelle Thielen, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Sophisticated electronics can be damaged by high humidity, dust, and fluctuating temperatures.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
Definition of fluctuate
Verb
  • For example, open your jacket and raise or wave your arms.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 22 July 2025
  • Hicks also laughed at the hysteria while waving his hands as the bat entered the tower.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of wave
Verb
  • Their small pink petals flutter every time there’s a breeze.
    — Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 2 July 2025
  • The homeowner's Stars and Stripes, which was fluttering on the flagpole beside the entrance, was tangled.
    — Ronnie Li, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Definition of flutter
Verb
  • Somewhere around hour two of not moving, my hamstrings began to vibrate like the low end of a baby grand.
    — Peter Rubin, Longreads, 8 July 2025
  • Their beating wings vibrate, inadvertently loosening pollen, which then falls onto the female part of the flower.
    — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
Definition of vibrate
Verb
  • The two men appeared to shake hands before parting ways.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 28 July 2025
  • Accompanied by her brother-in-law, Sen. Edward Kennedy, the former first lady was seen at N.Y.C.'s 21 Club — shaking hands with other frequenters.
    — Alex Apatoff, People.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of shake
Verb
  • Phones start pinging with alarming news alerts, lights start flickering, and panic strikes.
    — Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 26 July 2025
  • As dusk settles and the movie flickers to life, you're enveloped in that cozy, communal glow.
    — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Definition of flicker
Verb
  • Agents pile on a protester, who convulses and struggles to breathe.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
  • Bangkok has since been convulsed by protests against her government, and a legal petition has demanded her resignation.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
Definition of convulse

Browse Nearby Words

undulant
undulate
undulated
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Cite this Entry

“Undulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undulate. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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