1
as in fluctuated
to move back and forth in a rhythmic manner
When a guitar string is plucked, it oscillates to produce sound waves in the air.
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2
as in alternated
to continuously change from one belief, feeling, or condition to an opposite one
The model's hair color oscillates between bleach blond and jet black.
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Recent Examples of oscillated
The index oscillated around the flatline after initially opening in negative territory.
—
Sean Conlon,lisa Kailai Han,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 May 2026
In three games for Connor Ingram and one for Tristan Jarry, the goaltenders have oscillated between vaguely competent and actively bad.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Over the past couple of weeks, oil prices have oscillated between the $90-$100 a barrel range, having gone even higher during the conflict.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
On the stages, the music oscillated between vintage and cutting edge.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Instead of slowly fading as expected, the luminosity oscillated downward while the time between each fluctuation shortened.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026
For decades, American presidents from both parties have oscillated between coercion and engagement with Iran, sometimes offering diplomacy, sometimes sanctions.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2026
Italy has traditionally oscillated between European leadership and peripheral frustration.
—Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
Headlines oscillated between confidence and confusion.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Sean Conlon,lisa Kailai Han,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 May 2026
In three games for Connor Ingram and one for Tristan Jarry, the goaltenders have oscillated between vaguely competent and actively bad.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Over the past couple of weeks, oil prices have oscillated between the $90-$100 a barrel range, having gone even higher during the conflict.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
On the stages, the music oscillated between vintage and cutting edge.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Instead of slowly fading as expected, the luminosity oscillated downward while the time between each fluctuation shortened.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026
For decades, American presidents from both parties have oscillated between coercion and engagement with Iran, sometimes offering diplomacy, sometimes sanctions.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2026
Italy has traditionally oscillated between European leadership and peripheral frustration.
—Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
Headlines oscillated between confidence and confusion.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillated
Verb
-
No player better embodies those fluctuations than Brunson, who has fluctuated between lead star and co-star — between elite scorer and selfless playmaker.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2026
-
The actual percentage covered has fluctuated over the years.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
In a podcast taping with Kimmel, Fallon, Seth Meyers and John Oliver last week, Colbert alternated between sentimental and sarcastic about the end of his show.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
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The competition between Morton and Staubach came to a head in 1971 after both started games and even alternated snaps at one point.—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Walls swung away, rolled a ball through the infield that was pinched in and scored Mullins.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 May 2026
-
Trump’s approval rating with Hispanic voters has swung dramatically, with 70% disapproving and 29% approving now, compared to a 44% disapproval and 41% approval rating at this time last year.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillated. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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