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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oscillated
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
The tone oscillated between humor and provocation.
—Spriha Srivastava, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026
In other words, their systems oscillated between states of threat and shutdown, not a balanced state of safe emotional regulation.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Having oscillated between flowing lengths and a lob, Millie Bobby Brown is now officially Millie Bobby Bob again.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2026
An inconsistent scorer who oscillated between starting and the bench for the better part of four years.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
But Minnesota’s performances over the season’s first two and a half months consistently oscillated between awesome and awful.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
What national Democrats may consider In the past, the Democratic National Committee has oscillated between hosting the event in swing states and safe Democratic areas.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
Headlines oscillated between confidence and confusion.
—Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
The tone oscillated between humor and provocation.
—Spriha Srivastava, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026
In other words, their systems oscillated between states of threat and shutdown, not a balanced state of safe emotional regulation.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Having oscillated between flowing lengths and a lob, Millie Bobby Brown is now officially Millie Bobby Bob again.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2026
An inconsistent scorer who oscillated between starting and the bench for the better part of four years.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
But Minnesota’s performances over the season’s first two and a half months consistently oscillated between awesome and awful.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
What national Democrats may consider In the past, the Democratic National Committee has oscillated between hosting the event in swing states and safe Democratic areas.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillated
Verb
-
Three stock prices fluctuated during the week, of course.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
Freep.com,
28 Feb. 2026
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Water levels have also rapidly fluctuated in the last five years, Suarez said, which can also effect the loss of bird populations in the region.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Kalo and Vatu alternated with the leadm but Kalo made it to the puzzle first.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
26 Feb. 2026
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Since 2021, the Mets have alternated between losing and winning seasons.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Bridgerton, with its consciously diverse vision of a Regency world, feels like a project conceived in a more inclusive moment; the pendulum has since swung the other way.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
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There’s no doubt that Kirby would’ve loved to have swung that powerful right hook at Hitler on the cover of Captain America Comics #1.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillated. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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