1
as in fluctuation
the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another
fickle springtime weather in which there seemed to be an unceasing oscillation between unseasonable heat and unseasonable cold
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in vibration
a series of slight movements by a body back and forth or from side to side
the precise oscillations of the quartz crystal that allows a quartz watch to keep such accurate time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oscillation
There’s not much to quibble with in the market’s to-and-fro oscillations among sectors and themes so far.
—
Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
Casimir said the plates would act as a kind of guillotine for the electromagnetic field, chopping off long-wavelength oscillations in a way that would skew the zero-point energy.
—George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2026
The oscillation of a standing wave is a seiche.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
Because the experiments operate at different distances and energies, each captures complementary features of neutrino oscillations.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
Casimir said the plates would act as a kind of guillotine for the electromagnetic field, chopping off long-wavelength oscillations in a way that would skew the zero-point energy.
—George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2026
The oscillation of a standing wave is a seiche.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
Because the experiments operate at different distances and energies, each captures complementary features of neutrino oscillations.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
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With the lack of clinical data that drives personalization and innovation, women, who experience unique hormone fluctuations across the lifespan, have been underserved.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
3 Feb. 2026
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The space weather center warns that the material could bring possible glancing influences that could cause weak power grid fluctuations.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Anyone who has experienced a sound bath will recognize how quickly rhythmic sound and vibration can induce a sense of calm.—
Chloe Burcham,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2026
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This balancing service corrects the weight distribution of the tire and reduces vibrations from the road while driving.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Signaling the need for change Strazik worked in GE’s aviation engine and gas power businesses before taking over what was then GE Power in 2021.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Shape, texture, information Beyond visual changes, the smart skin can also reveal hidden information through mechanical deformation.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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After 10 weeks without food, Muraisi is experiencing involuntary muscular twitching and severe chest pains, according to Prisoners for Palestine, with her doctors warning of possible cardiovascular collapse.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
14 Jan. 2026
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Patients first experience twitching or weakness in a limb, as Decker did.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
16 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 Jan. 2026
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There were 2,684 reports sent in reporting varying levels of intensity — meaning some felt a weak or moderate shaking sensation.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Its strength ranges from mild, causing little more discomfort than a slight trembling, to severe, in which passengers or flight crew can be thrown around the cabin and risk injury if not wearing seatbelts.—
Cat Rainsford,
Popular Science,
15 Jan. 2026
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There’s Walter’s serene cello and Marjorie’s pensive, slightly coy violin, sometimes playful or petulant or, still, a little vain and secretive — other times thin and trembling, lost in the haze of dementia.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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