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 Quadrupole ion traps use four electrode poles to generate oscillating electric fields that confine ions. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025 The detachable strap also allows the wearer to oscillate between using it as a top handle, shoulder, or crossbody bag. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025 That such harmony could exist between an object-maker like Calder and an object-denier like Duchamp, who dreamed of an art made only of ideas, suggests that the engines of art are always oscillating. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 Hotter objects give off more heat; their waves are more energetic, oscillating with a shorter wavelength. Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate
Verb
  • Whether that fluctuating dynamic between coach and players should have any lasting consequences is a matter for United’s board and owners which, as Amorim referenced in his pre-match press conference, includes the Glazers as well as Ratcliffe.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Amid the tightening of poll margins and fluctuating voter sentiment, both candidates will intensify their campaigns as Election Day nears.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her high school curriculum was organized as a co-op program, which included traditional classes alternating with internships in nursing.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The home team then alternates on the last three potential duels.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Throughout the song’s undulating, fluid melodies, Kali and Mariah trade verses about the importance of loyalty in love, all while maintaining their own otherworldly vocals in the process.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
  • October 2022 found areas of the Anza-Borrego Desert painted with thick bunches of yellow goldeneye flowers, carpets of yellow chinchweed and clusters of purple sand verbena sweeping over undulating sand dunes along Highway S-22 heading toward Salton Sea.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The officer swung his undercover truck around, radioing his team to converge on a man who was depositing a $50 bill into the machine.
    Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement Before the King can swing his blade, Ji-yeon gets in his way.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillate. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oscillate

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