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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Despite oscillating between Triple-A Sacramento and San Francisco, Roupp posted a 3.58 ERA and 3.42 FIP (fielding independent pitching) with 47 strikeouts over 50 1/3 innings.
—
Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025
But for the industry's women, that trend is more often an oscillating wave than an upward trajectory, as audiences tire of starlets, shove them aside, then rediscover them for a brief moment only to punish them for aging out of the ever-datable 20-45 range.
—Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Neshat’s Marjan is a bit slippery, oscillating between kind and strict, biting and supportive, self-deprecating and wistful.
—Christian Lewis, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
With political loyalties that oscillated between Republicans and Democrats, Mesta was not especially interested in amassing Washington’s usual currency, power.
—Thomas Mallon, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025
But for the industry's women, that trend is more often an oscillating wave than an upward trajectory, as audiences tire of starlets, shove them aside, then rediscover them for a brief moment only to punish them for aging out of the ever-datable 20-45 range.
—Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Neshat’s Marjan is a bit slippery, oscillating between kind and strict, biting and supportive, self-deprecating and wistful.
—Christian Lewis, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
With political loyalties that oscillated between Republicans and Democrats, Mesta was not especially interested in amassing Washington’s usual currency, power.
—Thomas Mallon, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate
Verb
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Statewide, Florida's housing market has seen an increase in new listings and overall inventory, with more homeowners listing properties amid fluctuating mortgage rates.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
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Embrace The Variable Income Budget As a gig worker your priority is to create a budget that accounts for fluctuating income.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In the afternoon, the pope alternated between rest and work.—
John Bacon,
USA TODAY,
5 Mar. 2025
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Even her oversized earrings featured alternating bands of yellow and white gold.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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See Demi Moore, whose ultra-long hair was styled into silky, undulating waves that radiated health at the Governors Awards on las tweek.—
Hannah Coates,
Vogue,
24 Nov. 2024
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To build the fantasy that became my world, the authorities excavated earth from 870 acres of hills that used to undulate in Bedok and Siglap, in the east of Singapore.—
Zining Mok,
Longreads,
22 Oct. 2024
Verb
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As if on cue, the closed front door suddenly swings wide open on its own.—
Melinda Newman,
Billboard,
4 Mar. 2025
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For the afterparty, Lisa swung in the complete opposite direction in a curve-hugging Schiaparelli number with a pinstripe bodice and pleated white skirt.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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