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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oscillate
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
His politics oscillate between knuckle-dragging conservatism and manic accelerationism.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
The basic science is the same – electromagnetic waves cause electrons to oscillate, creating heat.
—Terence Musho, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
This one falls in the medium-firm category for support with just enough give to keep me comfortable, and as a person who oscillates between being too hot and too cold, the temperature regulation from season to season helps a lot.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
His politics oscillate between knuckle-dragging conservatism and manic accelerationism.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
The basic science is the same – electromagnetic waves cause electrons to oscillate, creating heat.
—Terence Musho, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
This one falls in the medium-firm category for support with just enough give to keep me comfortable, and as a person who oscillates between being too hot and too cold, the temperature regulation from season to season helps a lot.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate
Verb
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Recently, the price has fluctuated more between $65 and $95, which makes this Prime Day star projector deal worth getting.—
Alexander Cox,
Space.com,
10 July 2025
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The numbers will almost certainly fluctuate by state.—
Sasha Hupka,
AZCentral.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Each chapter alternates between two different outcomes of one summer night in 1972, showing how one decision can drastically change the course of your life.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
3 July 2025
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In recent years, the two schools have alternated between each of their home stadiums and then Paycor Stadium as a neutral site.—
David Ferrara,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
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Still, the showstopper here is the undulating Landscape Sofa by Nina Edwards Anker for Dune, custom upholstered in ultrasuede.—
Leonora Epstein,
Architectural Digest,
7 July 2025
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The doorway will be undulating, the reception desk wavy, and mirrors free form, reflecting the artist’s signature organic shapes.—
Beth Landman,
HollywoodReporter,
1 July 2025
Verb
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When Bacho moves in to make a move, Sakamoto swings a stock pot at Bacho's head, rendering him unconscious.—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
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But when the opportunity presented itself to purchase the building block, Batchelor swung at the chance.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Southern Living,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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