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

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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

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Example 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 oscillation Political oscillations are as much of a challenge to dealing with climate change as climate change itself. Robert G. Eccles, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 The oscillation also produces a significant variation in pressure on the shuttlecock's feathers. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025 The Ultra 2 and some other smartwatches provide more information for running workouts, such as your cadence and advanced form metrics like ground contact time and vertical oscillation. PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2025 Stabilizing the oscillations following normal rules caused a slightly higher-than-usual voltage. IEEE Spectrum, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
  • Cryptocurrencies are notoriously volatile, with prices capable of experiencing dramatic fluctuations over short timeframes.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • While the high-rise cut is well-fitting and snug, the standout of these leggings is the adjustable tie waistband that allows for a perfect fit that accounts for body fluctuations.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This even distribution means more of the material works at once, boosting efficiency across a wider range of vibrations.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • They’re placed on or next to the body and struck with a mallet to release a calming vibration and mellifluous tone that eases muscles, sparking an immediately soothing effect on the nervous system and improving synaptic responses in the brain.
    Terry Elward, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Blue Cruise functioned well in fast traffic, including a couple of automatic lane changes.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • After making 35 appearances (16 starts) with Triple-A Omaha, the club wanted Bowlan to make a positional change.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Patients first experience twitching or weakness in a limb, often followed by slurred speech.
    Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Daniel now lives with essential tremors, a condition that causes involuntary shaking of the head and hands.
    Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Olsen plays Joan’s indecision with winsome fluster, at first breathy and trembling but eventually finding her resolve.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Still, the cluster exhibited a subtle trembling motion while it was held in place.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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