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
-
The rates of tariffs subject to the Supreme Court decision fluctuated during the year.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Although our planet’s oxygen levels have fluctuated wildly over the past few hundred million years — since the widespread development of plant and animal life — changes were gradual and oxygen levels were much lower during most of Earth’s history.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Since 2021, the Mets have alternated between losing and winning seasons.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Mascots from the Hornets and Mavericks alternated as sixth men restricted to playing in the backcourt for a bit in the third quarter.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Eventually, though, the pendulum swung the other way, as the chunky, shell-toed shoe fell out of fashion, making way for the the return of the streamlined Samba.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Cue bedlam as the momentum swung decisively Wrexham’s way in a title race that had seen both teams already reach 100 points.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillated. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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