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
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
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
Dano is joined by Jude Law as Putin; Alicia Vikander as Baranov’s beautiful wife Ksenia, who oscillates between a desire for bohemian freedom and wealth and influence, and Will Keen as real-life late oligarch Boris Berezovsky, a former ally of the Russian leader who became an exiled critic.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2025
The electrical voltage of nerve cells oscillates up and down once per second, according to the press release.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2025
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 27 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
Dano is joined by Jude Law as Putin; Alicia Vikander as Baranov’s beautiful wife Ksenia, who oscillates between a desire for bohemian freedom and wealth and influence, and Will Keen as real-life late oligarch Boris Berezovsky, a former ally of the Russian leader who became an exiled critic.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2025
The electrical voltage of nerve cells oscillates up and down once per second, according to the press release.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillates
Verb
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As a result, the number of participants in the Miss Universe pageant fluctuates year after year based on certain franchising restrictions and changes.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
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The pay package, which fluctuates in value based on the stock price and is currently worth more than $100 billion, was put to an advisory vote last year.—
Kara Carlson,
Fortune,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Another mistake is planting hostas in heavy, clay soil that alternates between soggy and rock hard.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
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According to the researchers, the technology alternates silver ions and trithioisocyanuric acid (TCA) layers on an electrode substrate.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Young feels within range for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, who always swings for the fences.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
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But the tone swings between sour and sweet, grounded and silly, and the jokes run more broadly wacky than precise or original.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Narrative warfare sways public sentiment long before a bullet is fired.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
27 Oct. 2025
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The final shot sees Tom gazing out the window as a curtain gently sways in the warm breeze.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oscillates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillates. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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