1
as in fluctuates
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 alternates
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 oscillates
According to Bodine, public discourse around artificial intelligence often oscillates between unchecked optimism and outright resistance, leaving little room for more measured conversations about responsible implementation.
—
William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Like the albums themselves, the experience constantly oscillates between dread and beauty, alienation and intimacy.
—Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 12 May 2026
The fan also oscillates at a 70-degree angle and can cover a large portion of the room, distributing cool air throughout.
—George Yang, PC Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026
According to SnowBrains, Lake Tahoe is now sitting well above its typical winter level, a development water managers view as encouraging in a region that frequently oscillates between drought and downpours.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
Nett isn’t exactly known for lyrical acumen, but his punch-in-and-trail-off delivery stands out on an album that oscillates unevenly between party highlight reel and war story.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
Wall Street often oscillates between hope and fear, euphoria and despair.
—Zachary Karabell, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2026
Instead of the requisite Caesar salad, Kolender offers chicories dressed in an anchovy and black garlic vinaigrette that oscillates between sweet and deeply savory.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
This indicator oscillates between zero and 100.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Like the albums themselves, the experience constantly oscillates between dread and beauty, alienation and intimacy.
—Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 12 May 2026
The fan also oscillates at a 70-degree angle and can cover a large portion of the room, distributing cool air throughout.
—George Yang, PC Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026
According to SnowBrains, Lake Tahoe is now sitting well above its typical winter level, a development water managers view as encouraging in a region that frequently oscillates between drought and downpours.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
Nett isn’t exactly known for lyrical acumen, but his punch-in-and-trail-off delivery stands out on an album that oscillates unevenly between party highlight reel and war story.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
Wall Street often oscillates between hope and fear, euphoria and despair.
—Zachary Karabell, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2026
Instead of the requisite Caesar salad, Kolender offers chicories dressed in an anchovy and black garlic vinaigrette that oscillates between sweet and deeply savory.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
This indicator oscillates between zero and 100.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillates
Verb
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This is why the healthiest couples remind themselves that attraction is something that fluctuates naturally.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
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The inherent value of some watches fluctuates on a daily basis because of the materials.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The mezzanine’s railing alternates plain bronze spindles with miniature art deco skyscrapers.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
8 June 2026
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The scene alternates between him on a platform with dancers wearing Xuân Phả folk masks, set against the beautiful landscape of Trang An in Ninh Binh Province.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
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The trail undulates a bit over rocky rises and occasionally detours into the woods, but experienced hikers shouldn't have any problems.—
Robert Annis,
Midwest Living,
7 June 2026
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Miller also strategically employs the Pietà in his Confederate Women’s Monument, turning to Michelangelo’s later Depositional group from the Pietà Bandini, in which the dead Christ is not draped on Mary’s lap and knees but undulates across the bodies of his earthbound beloveds.—
Horace D. Ballard,
Artforum,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Marie dips them in paint and swings them like a brush, leaving thick, violent marks across a white canvas.—
Nia Dumas,
NPR,
16 June 2026
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Think about a car door that swings open near a cyclist.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Republican political consultants are skeptical that Paxton’s place on the ballot sways the needle for Democrats.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 June 2026
-
Now the castle is in ruins (though with explanatory signage), with hiking paths, a museum, and a 1,200-foot pedestrian suspension bridge that sways 300 feet above the valley floor.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillates. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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