1
as in fluctuation
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

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2
as in vibration
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

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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 oscillation Brainwaves, or neural oscillations, are regular patterns created by firing neurons or groups of neurons. Eva Amsen, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 This involved manually disturbing the leg and then releasing it, capturing the resulting oscillations on high-speed video. ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2025 Perhaps, skeptics have suggested, the observed fluctuations in allele frequencies are just routine oscillations of variants in the gene pool rather than proof positive of natural selection acting to adapt the human body to environmental challenges. Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025 Starting with the oscillation from high to low tariffs coupled with the 90 day pause, not to mention the trade war between the U.S. and China, the events of the last few weeks have left the business world reeling. Daniel Webber, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
  • Amid the ongoing tariff situation, which GM already anticipates will cost the company up to $5 billion this year, fluctuations in the supply chain and manufacturing strategies may further impede decisions surrounding how to approach warranty issues, Windau said.
    Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • Daily weight fluctuations are normal and shouldn't discourage weight loss efforts.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Now is a wise time to save on normally splurge-worthy home gym equipment, like treadmills, ellipticals, vibration plates, or an adjustable kettlebell that costs a fraction of the price of a full weight set.
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 11 July 2025
  • The car will stay stable, without vibration, even in emergency braking situations.
    Kristin Shaw, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Zest in Seoul and Jigger & Pony in Singapore both maintained their positions from last year, so there were no changes among the top three bars.
    Kevin Gray, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Professors previously voted to censure Swallow and Timmerman in 2023 over workload changes.
    Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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