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 ’90s nail palette oscillated between pastels, vibrant neons, and metallic tones, recalling the flashy aesthetics of music videos and commercials of the time. Jeanne Ballion, Glamour, 29 Aug. 2025 But ask locals for advice—because chefs change and quality can oscillate over time. Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025 The electrical voltage of nerve cells oscillates up and down once per second, according to the press release. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2025 In New York, outbreaks tend to oscillate between predominantly lower income Black and Latino neighborhoods, a former health official previously told USA TODAY. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate
Verb
  • All share the same problem of fluctuating demand and expensive capacity.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • In all these scenarios, there’s a risk of financial loss due to fluctuating currency exchange rates.
    Tom Zachystal, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For instance, someone high in BPD traits would have a tendency to alternate between closeness and withdrawal.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Spend your rest day alternating between the hot tub, sauna, and its two pools.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement Black Americans understood that the struggle for freedom could be long and undulating.
    Time, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This track-centric experience lets drivers who’ve completed the Ice Experience session, master drifting through the curves on Circuit Mécaglisse’s undulating main track, and experience those 500-plus-hp 911 rocketships for lap after lap.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That kind of dexterity is apparent in the footwork, one of those features that can swing matches when the going gets tough.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • After the Blue Jays swung a trade to bring in Shane Bieber at this season's deadline, Edward Eng of FanSided's Jays Journal predicted the team would turn to him as a long-term replacement while letting Max Scherzer walk this winter.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillate. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oscillate

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