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
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
The indexes oscillated between gains and losses throughout the session following the developments.
—Sean Conlon,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 1 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 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
The indexes oscillated between gains and losses throughout the session following the developments.
—Sean Conlon,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 1 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
-
Vehicle thefts have fluctuated during Bianco’s tenure but have been on the decline since 2021, according to the state data.—
Hailey Wang,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
-
Student chatter on social media fluctuated between some commenters upset that their tests or assignments would be canceled and others planning beach days in light of the system being down.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The Canadiens had alternated wins and losses since winning Game 1 of their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
The Blue Jays swung at just 18% of Detmers’ pitches that were out of the zone.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
-
Before Denver swung a blockbuster trade for star receiver Jaylen Waddle.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillated. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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