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 The roughly five-minute sequence is shot in tight close-up on Day-Lewis, who oscillates between anger, pain and gleeful contempt. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 With Danny held hostage, Maria’s life begins to flourish and that star pupil, Pauline, inches ever-closer to her favorite docent as sympathies slip away and oscillate between characters, the film making quick work of manipulating mounting emotions. Holly Jones, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025 Collicott's work will look at how liquids spread over a surface, while Mizzi will investigate how liquids oscillate in zero gravity. Mike Wall, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2025 Quadrupole ion traps use four electrode poles to generate oscillating electric fields that confine ions. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate
Verb
  • But as life has gotten busier, and food prices have fluctuated, an increasing number of cooks are embracing the true value of outsourcing the main event.
    Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Fall weather can fluctuate wildly from frosty mornings to warm autumn days that are perfect for apple picking and getting late-season gardening tasks done.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Initially, the Prince of Monaco proposed to Kelly with an eternity band featuring alternating rubies and diamonds, honoring the colors of the Monaco flag (via Brides).
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Trocheck was elevated to alternate status after taking on many captain duties without the formal title last season, enshrining the Pittsburgh youth hockey legends as the leading voices in New York’s locker room.
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The minimally landscaped areas immediately around the house quickly give way to the arid landscape, the spiny shrubs and Joshua trees interspersed with several sculptures set against the undulating shadow lines of the distant mountains.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Klum selected the pumps to accompany a black dress with an undulating design.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But the tone swings between sour and sweet, grounded and silly, and the jokes run more broadly wacky than precise or original.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Tucker swung through it once again.
    Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillate. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oscillate

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