fluctuate

verb

ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce fluctuate (audio)
Definition of fluctuatenext
as in to vary
to pass from one form, state, or level to another temperatures will fluctuate between the low and high 50s today

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb fluctuate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fluctuate are oscillate, sway, swing, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When would oscillate be a good substitute for fluctuate?

Although the words oscillate and fluctuate have much in common, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

Where would sway be a reasonable alternative to fluctuate?

While in some cases nearly identical to fluctuate, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can swing be used instead of fluctuate?

The synonyms swing and fluctuate are sometimes interchangeable, but swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When is it sensible to use undulate instead of fluctuate?

In some situations, the words undulate and fluctuate are roughly equivalent. However, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When might vibrate be a better fit than fluctuate?

While the synonyms vibrate and fluctuate are close in meaning, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

When could waver be used to replace fluctuate?

The words waver and fluctuate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 fluctuate But the power of the geomagnetic storm, like that of a rain storm, can fluctuate. —Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025 This can fluctuate depending on your kitchen and how well the oven is insulated, [but] this temperature range falls within the 'danger zone' of 40 to 140°F, where spoilage organisms can grow quickly. —Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 27 May 2025 Water wisdom: Water levels can fluctuate significantly due to power generation. —Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025 But far from being laughable, these behavioral stereotypes are the external manifestations of big internal shifts, many of them linked to the effects of fluctuating hormones on the brain. —Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluctuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluctuate
  1. vary
  2. change
  3. shift
Verb
  • However, dosages may actually vary from 1 to 10 mg per day.
    — Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025
  • The findings reached by other organizations on how much prison and jail actually costs people also vary widely.
    — Meg Anderson, NPR, 3 June 2025
Definition of vary
Verb
  • The summary will also be updated as new information is added, meaning new replies to the chain may change the summary at the top.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 30 May 2025
  • Even after taking over as captain ahead of the 2018-19 season, Barkov didn’t change his approach.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Definition of change
Verb
  • That leadership change followed GOP gains through 2024’s Senate Bill 382, which shifted appointment powers from Gov. Josh Stein (D-NC) to Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 28 May 2025
  • As one of the biggest budget comedies to come out of India, the action shifts from the boat across to London, then France, Spain and back to the UK as the police search for their killer.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 27 May 2025
Definition of shift

Browse Nearby Words

flubs
fluctuate
fluctuated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fluctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluctuate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of fluctuate for Spanish Speakers

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