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 The spokesperson told the Herald those numbers fluctuate hour to hour and would also require a records request, which typically takes months to years. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025 Brooklyn Curry Project’s income fluctuates month-to-month, depending on the time of year and how many events the Rajus host. —Megan Sauer,mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2025 Managing retail inventories and maintaining proper levels in line with consumer demand is challenging and subject to often unpredictable, fluctuating sales trends, fast-moving fashion cycles, and shipping issues like bottlenecks. —David Moin, Footwear News, 26 Mar. 2025 Keep in mind that rental prices and room rates will fluctuate greatly during the winter and festival season, spiking in January. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluctuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluctuate
  1. vary
  2. change
  3. shift
Verb
  • Go all in on a monochrome set, or embrace playfulness (and a collectors’ eye) with varying colors—each dishwasher-safe porcelain plate is sold separately.
    — Erika Owen, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Of course, many people experience hip pain without needing surgery—and many hip problems vary by age, gender and lifestyle choices.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of vary
Verb
  • The 20-course omakase will change seasonally and feature ingredients that Toshi forages locally.
    — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Wade spoke passionately about his love for Marquette and how the school had changed his life.
    — D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of change
Verb
  • The payment shifted to CPS in 2020 in an effort to financially detangle the district from the city.
    — Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
  • But after Bonet departed the series following its first season, the focus shifted to characters played by Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Glynn Turman, Cory Tyler, Lou Myers, Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer, and Charnele Brown.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of shift

Browse Nearby Words

flubs
fluctuate
fluctuated
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Cite this Entry

“Fluctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluctuate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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