as in to vary
to pass from one form, state, or level to another temperatures will fluctuate between the low and high 50s today

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb fluctuate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fluctuate are oscillate, sway, swing, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When would oscillate be a good substitute for fluctuate?

Although the words oscillate and fluctuate have much in common, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

Where would sway be a reasonable alternative to fluctuate?

While in some cases nearly identical to fluctuate, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can swing be used instead of fluctuate?

The synonyms swing and fluctuate are sometimes interchangeable, but swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When is it sensible to use undulate instead of fluctuate?

In some situations, the words undulate and fluctuate are roughly equivalent. However, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When might vibrate be a better fit than fluctuate?

While the synonyms vibrate and fluctuate are close in meaning, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

When could waver be used to replace fluctuate?

The words waver and fluctuate can be used in similar contexts, but waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

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 fluctuate However, during the transition to menopause (perimenopause), your hormones fluctuate, which can lead to mood swings and changes in your nervous system. Wendy Wisner, Health, 20 June 2025 Billionaires’ wealth fluctuates all the time—Bernard Arnault, founder and CEO of luxury fashion house LVMH, was the world’s richest person at the start of 2024 with $231 billion. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025 Comparatively, most cryptocurrency fluctuates based on market valuation, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Riley Beggin, USA Today, 17 June 2025 How To Use Stan As A Freelancer Freelancers typically manage a fluctuating number of clients and revenue and operate as one-person businesses, so diversifying into different revenue streams is essential. Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluctuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluctuate
Verb
  • This era was also defined by varying shades of yellow, which Badu frequently wore: as a jacket, or even perhaps as a dress.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 27 June 2025
  • Grab them in more than 12 color options, including blue, green, gray, red, khaki, and more (though prices vary by style).
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • This information may be subject to change without notice.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 23 June 2025
  • One thing that has changed in recent months is inventory: The number of homes for sale is up more than 20% over a year ago.
    Laurel Wamsley, NPR, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The dangerous and record-shattering heat will shift east by the end of the weekend and the start of next week.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 20 June 2025
  • Temperatures above 75 to 80°F can trigger bolting, at which point the plants shift their energy into flowering and stop producing new foliage.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fluctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluctuate. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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