fluctuates

verb

present tense third-person singular of fluctuate
as in varies
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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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 fluctuates Today, these pre-1965 coins are sought after not for their use as currency, but for their silver content, giving them a value that fluctuates with the broader precious metals market. — Nick Perry, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 The number fluctuates because it is closely tied to the performance of the stock market. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026 The Gauchos have a roster that fluctuates among 24 varsity players, but more and more are showing up to join the team. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Beating the models at their own noise ENSO fluctuates on its own; quiet decades are followed by wild ones, with no external push required. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 The number of protesters fluctuates, with certain days attracting larger crowds. — David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 This movement from the moon causes Earth’s rotation to slow — but our planet’s rotation also fluctuates unpredictably from year to year. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 Motivation fluctuates day to day, which is why making a plan is crucial. — Christa Sgobba, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026 Certain frozen foods are more susceptible to freezer burn or growing bacteria when the temperature fluctuates. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluctuates
  1. varies
  2. changes
  3. shifts
Verb
  • Duration varies substantially across the area because Ta’if lies toward the edge of the eclipse path, so eclipse chasers will need to choose their precise observing location carefully.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The types of critters crossing paths with humans varies based on location.
    — Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of varies
Verb
  • Sunlight fundamentally changes the chromophores’ ability to express color.
    — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The company has spent years preparing for this step, but removing the safety observer changes the equation.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of changes
Verb
  • The approach shifts the timing mechanism from electrons to the atomic nucleus.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
  • El Niño also shifts rainfall patterns globally, raising the chances for destructive flooding in some parts of the world.
    — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of shifts

Browse Nearby Words

fluctuated
fluctuates
fluctuating
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Cite this Entry

“Fluctuates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluctuates. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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