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 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 And Rihanna at 37 is the blueprint for modern sexy, oscillating between sheer gowns and oversized coats, all while pregnant, never allowing herself to be boxed in. Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 18 Aug. 2025 With a blade grinder, coffee beans grind up with metal blades that oscillate much like a blender. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate
Verb
  • Withdrawals leading to walkovers were more common in the early years of the competition, partly why the number of matches per season fluctuated slightly in the opening decades.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • As a result, the gamma-ray signal doesn’t fluctuate with the month or the cycle of lunar phases.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Narrator Jacek Zubiel switches from Polish to English, alternating between Bethany and Nel’s colliding worlds.
    Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • With the destruction of the Nordstream pipelines and Europe’s pivot to alternate suppliers, the continent has locked in deals to reduce dependence on Russia.
    Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Necks swoop and hips and lower backs undulate in ways that traditional ballet never demands.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Finally, the 17th is a 220-yard carry over a large pond to a massive, undulating green that can stretch to 250 yards, with brutal slopes guarding back pins.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Longtime guitarist Dougie Needles swung his axe over his left shoulder, holding it aloft for a late solo during the closing number.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Not shown is non-GAAP earnings that swung into profitability in 2024 with 28 cents per share earned compared to 10 cents per share lost in 2023 and a loss of 41 cents per share in 2022.
    Todd Gordon, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillate. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oscillate

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