oscillate

verb

Definition of oscillatenext
1
as in to fluctuate
to move back and forth in a rhythmic manner When a guitar string is plucked, it oscillates to produce sound waves in the air.

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2
as in to alternate
to continuously change from one belief, feeling, or condition to an opposite one The model's hair color oscillates between bleach blond and jet black.

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb oscillate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of oscillate are fluctuate, sway, swing, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

Where would fluctuate be a reasonable alternative to oscillate?

While the synonyms fluctuate and oscillate are close in meaning, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When is it sensible to use sway instead of oscillate?

The words sway and oscillate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When is swing a more appropriate choice than oscillate?

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

the door suddenly swung open

In what contexts can undulate take the place of oscillate?

The meanings of undulate and oscillate largely overlap; however, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When would vibrate be a good substitute for oscillate?

While in some cases nearly identical to oscillate, 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 oscillate?

Although the words waver and oscillate have much in common, 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 oscillate Whether oscillating, revolving, or pulsating—each sprinkler had its own set of benefits and games to go along with. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 20 June 2025 And in phase three, the populations of the remaining species started oscillating wildly, revealing a loss of stability. —Gabriel Popkin, Quanta Magazine, 16 June 2025 Control of its governorship, its Legislature, its congressional delegation and its presidential electoral votes had shifted back and forth as the mood of voters oscillated. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 7 June 2025 Our own Better Homes & Gardens oscillating tower fan from our Walmart line is a great option for those who want an effective oscillating fan that looks great without breaking the bank. —Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate
  1. fluctuate
  2. alternate
  3. undulate
  4. swing
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
  • The sea birds can sense shifts in currents and use it to maximize their efficiency by alternating their travel routes.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 July 2025
  • In recent years, the White Sox have alternated between a pitcher and shortstop in the first round.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Definition of alternate
Verb
  • The Black Lava Rock Lounge on the fourth floor, for example, faces the monorail and has more hanging gardens as well as a mural with an erupting volcano; the Lagoon Reef Terrace features undulating blue walls depicting a giant coral reef.
    — Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2025
  • Royal Portrush is more than 7,300 yards long, has brutally narrow fairways, pot bunkers and undulating greens that will test the best golfers in the world.
    — Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of undulate
Verb
  • Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer recently suggested the Houston Astros could swing a blockbuster trade deadline deal for Miami Marlins hurler Edward Cabrera in the coming days.
    — Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • Never did Nick Kurtz consider this, not as a young boy learning to swing left-handed in Lancaster, Pa., or during the charmed collegiate career that catapulted him into baseball’s consciousness.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 26 July 2025
Definition of swing

Browse Nearby Words

orthopedists
oscillate
oscillated
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Cite this Entry

“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of oscillate for Spanish Speakers

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