Thesaurus results for UNDULATE

Q: How does the verb 'undulate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of undulate are fluctuate , oscillate , sway , swing , vibrate , and waver . While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion. // an undulating sea of grass

Q: When is 'fluctuate' a more appropriate choice than 'undulate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to undulate , fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value. // fluctuating interest rates

Q: Where would 'oscillate' be a reasonable alternative to 'undulate'?

The words oscillate and undulate can be used in similar contexts, but oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction. // an oscillating fan

Q: When can 'sway' be used instead of 'undulate'?

While the synonyms sway and undulate are close in meaning, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement. // trees swaying in the breeze

Q: When might 'swing' be a better fit than 'undulate'?

Although the words swing and undulate have much in common, swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side. // the door suddenly swung open

Q: When would 'vibrate' be a good substitute for 'undulate'?

The meanings of vibrate and undulate largely overlap; however, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact. // the vibrating strings of a piano

Q: When is it sensible to use 'waver' instead of 'undulate'?

In some situations, the words waver and undulate are roughly equivalent. However, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering. // the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

undulate

verb

Definition of undulate next

as in to oscillate

formal to move or be shaped like waves undulating hills an undulating surface

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb undulate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of undulate are fluctuate, oscillate, sway, swing, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When is fluctuate a more appropriate choice than undulate?

While in some cases nearly identical to undulate, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

Where would oscillate be a reasonable alternative to undulate?

The words oscillate and undulate can be used in similar contexts, but oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

When can sway be used instead of undulate?

While the synonyms sway and undulate are close in meaning, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When might swing be a better fit than undulate?

Although the words swing and undulate have much in common, swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When would vibrate be a good substitute for undulate?

The meanings of vibrate and undulate largely overlap; however, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

When is it sensible to use waver instead of undulate?

In some situations, the words waver and undulate are roughly equivalent. However, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

Examples 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 undulate The vast nature reserve will rim the championship golf course, and other golf offerings include a family-friendly nine-hole course and an undulating two-acre putting park. —

Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 There is the requisite incredible highway fight, but the creation of the massive, undulating beast that is Shockwave is Dark of the Moon’s Hall of Fame–level visual effect. —

Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024 The answer was custom cabinets designed to feel more like a bedroom dresser, with undulating tile from Fornace Brioni, and inviting counter stools by Aristeu Pires from Sossego Design in Toyine Sellers fabric. —

Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2024 That’s about to change with the establishment of the Pocket Peak AVA—a wine-growing region within the valley defined by its steep, undulating hills and volcanic and gravelly loam soils—expected in fall 2025. —

Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for undulate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for undulate

Verb

Many people oscillate between strict boundaries and permissive accommodation, hoping to find the right balance.

— Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Though the eyes tend to stay stationary during non-REM sleep, the pupils oscillate between small and large diameters, reflecting the different substages and depths of slumber throughout the non-REM phase.

— Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 1 Jan. 2025