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
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
This is the intriguing backdrop for a narrative that never really grips us, even if Chong has an artful way of depicting Hong Im’s lifestyle, which oscillates between real-world issues and religious wizardry.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
This one falls in the medium-firm category for support with just enough give to keep me comfortable, and as a person who oscillates between being too hot and too cold, the temperature regulation from season to season helps a lot.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2025
But few of the directors who would join V/H/S over the years that followed introduced a more memorable creature — a birdlike demon who oscillates from purring affection to ravenous rage — or so skillfully tracked the running bodies captured by a running camera.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
The roughly five-minute sequence is shot in tight close-up on Day-Lewis, who oscillates between anger, pain and gleeful contempt.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
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
This is the intriguing backdrop for a narrative that never really grips us, even if Chong has an artful way of depicting Hong Im’s lifestyle, which oscillates between real-world issues and religious wizardry.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
This one falls in the medium-firm category for support with just enough give to keep me comfortable, and as a person who oscillates between being too hot and too cold, the temperature regulation from season to season helps a lot.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2025
But few of the directors who would join V/H/S over the years that followed introduced a more memorable creature — a birdlike demon who oscillates from purring affection to ravenous rage — or so skillfully tracked the running bodies captured by a running camera.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
The roughly five-minute sequence is shot in tight close-up on Day-Lewis, who oscillates between anger, pain and gleeful contempt.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillates
Verb
-
The inherent value of some watches fluctuates on a daily basis because of the materials.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
-
When estrogen fluctuates wildly postpartum or during perimenopause, ADHD symptoms often get dramatically worse.—
Sarah Oreck,
SELF,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And in our car, whoever is in the front seat gets to play the music, and that alternates day-to-day.—
Marah Eakin,
Vulture,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Among the services offered there is contrast therapy, which alternates heat and cold to promote circulation, reduce inflammation and help with muscle soreness.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Nearby, a robot undulates through water like a fish.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The West Side’s 16th District, which swings from Cicero, Lyons and Riverside up through Melrose Park, features a three-way race steeped in tangled histories.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The next big weather maker swings through the area on Tuesday, causing the chance of severe weather.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Sunday's vote was seen as a key test of whether the EU member nation stays on its liberal course or sways toward the right.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Grips the microphone, sways her hips.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillates. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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