fluctuate

verb

fluc·​tu·​ate ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce fluctuate (audio)
-chü-ˌāt
fluctuated; fluctuating

intransitive verb

1
: to shift back and forth uncertainly
Oil prices fluctuated.
Temperatures fluctuated.
2
: to rise and fall in or as if in waves
The boat fluctuated on the rough sea.

transitive verb

: to cause to fluctuate
Choose the Right Synonym for fluctuate

swing, sway, oscillate, vibrate, fluctuate, waver, undulate mean to move from one direction to its opposite.

swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

Examples of fluctuate in a Sentence

His popularity has fluctuated during his term in office. In the desert, the temperature fluctuates dramatically.
Recent Examples on the Web Pickett was the No. 20 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but has struggled with injuries and fluctuating performances since being drafted out of the University of Pittsburgh. Ben Morse, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Although global temperatures are likely to fluctuate in the years ahead, the overall trend is clear. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The number of cattle in the region fluctuates as ranchers rent pasture for their herds. Sean Murphy, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2024 No senator has announced an intention to run, and the race will surely fluctuate in the weeks and months to come. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2024 But prices fluctuate day to day throughout the year depending on demand and other factors, so those willing to do some digging, can still get the most bang for their buck. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 The roll out is a first for fast-food, where customers could see menu prices fluctuate depending on the time of day. Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2024 This is especially true in the inherently fluctuating forex market. Blake Olson, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The numbers can fluctuate a bit, although traffic safety experts have pointed to generally higher numbers since the pandemic began. Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fluctuate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin fluctuatus, past participle of fluctuare, from fluctus flow, wave, from fluere — more at fluid

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluctuate was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near fluctuate

Cite this Entry

“Fluctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fluctuate

verb
fluc·​tu·​ate ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce fluctuate (audio)
fluctuated; fluctuating
1
: to move up and down or back and forth like a wave
2
: to be constantly changing especially up and down
fluctuation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fluctuate

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