fluctuate
verb
fluc·tu·ate
ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt 
-chü-ˌāt
fluctuated; fluctuating
1
: to shift back and forth uncertainly
Oil prices fluctuated.
Temperatures fluctuated.
2
: to rise and fall in or as if in waves
The boat fluctuated on the rough sea.
: to cause to fluctuate
Examples of fluctuate in a Sentence
His popularity has fluctuated during his term in office.
In the desert, the temperature fluctuates dramatically.
Recent Examples on the Web
What Happens Next Trump's approval rating could fluctuate in the coming weeks, depending on the evolving tariff situation and concerns about a recession.
—
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder (5 Pounds) for $74 ($14 off)
Amazon
The best protein powder fluctuates in price often, but many different flavors and serving sizes are on sale right now.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 3 June 2025
As a storm progresses, geomagnetic activity can fluctuate considerably from periods of escalation to periods of weakening, according to NOAA.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
According to Air Travel Experts Why do flight prices fluctuate?
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluctuate
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Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder (5 Pounds) for $74 ($14 off)
Amazon
The best protein powder fluctuates in price often, but many different flavors and serving sizes are on sale right now.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 3 June 2025
As a storm progresses, geomagnetic activity can fluctuate considerably from periods of escalation to periods of weakening, according to NOAA.
—Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
According to Air Travel Experts Why do flight prices fluctuate?
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluctuate
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fluctuate
verb
fluc·tu·ate
ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt
fluctuated; fluctuating
1
: to move up and down or back and forth like a wave
2
: to be constantly changing especially up and down
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