oscillate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb oscillate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of oscillate are fluctuate, sway, swing, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

Where would fluctuate be a reasonable alternative to oscillate?

While the synonyms fluctuate and oscillate are close in meaning, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When is it sensible to use sway instead of oscillate?

The words sway and oscillate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When is swing a more appropriate choice than oscillate?

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

the door suddenly swung open

In what contexts can undulate take the place of oscillate?

The meanings of undulate and oscillate largely overlap; however, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When would vibrate be a good substitute for oscillate?

While in some cases nearly identical to oscillate, 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 oscillate?

Although the words waver and oscillate have much in common, 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 oscillate Trump can oscillate between impatience with Putin, even threatening Russia with sanctions coordinated with Europe, and backtracking after Putin makes just a marginal counteroffer in bad faith. Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 The 10-year Treasury yield, a critical barometer of economic health, has oscillated between approximately 4.0% and 4.47% this year, injecting unprecedented volatility into a market typically known for its stability. Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 Whether your home has a solid central air conditioning system or a faltering window unit, investing in an oscillating fan can help cool your space more efficiently and even cut down on electricity costs. Maggie Horton, People.com, 14 May 2025 The stock has been oscillating within a pretty clear and consistent upward-sloping trading channel ever since rebounding from the Covid lows in 2020. Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate
Verb
  • Buyer beware: sometimes hotel parking costs extra and passes can fluctuate in price based on demand and availability.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
  • What Happens Next Trump's approval rating could fluctuate in the coming weeks, depending on the outcome of key events.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • This one is adorned with a bow at the top and alternating gold and silver horizontal stripes.
    Lauren Fischer, People.com, 25 June 2025
  • While Qantas primarily uses the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on international routes like this flight, the airline will begin alternating with the Airbus A380 aircraft in August 2025.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • This was clear evidence of a standing wave, undulating back and forth.
    Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 4 June 2025
  • The architects gave body to that belief with an undulating wooden ceiling that starts above the stage, rolls out over the lobby, and terminates in a bright up-pointed canopy like the peak of a yellow baseball cap.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The next step, Thomson said, is to get Harper outside Friday to throw more and swing off a tee.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Telfar bags swung next to kente cloth wraps, and authors like Clarence Haynes signed copies of his new novel, The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery, as lines snaked through the crowds.
    Essence, Essence, 19 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillate. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oscillate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!