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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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
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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
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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
-
Nearby, a robot undulates through water like a fish.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The thought swings through her, like a burning stick through night air.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
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In one sequence, Atlas shifts its weight and swings its leg forward to guide a ball smoothly across the floor.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
27 May 2026
Verb
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One big question now, Thomas says, is whether a tie-up with a paragon of fast-fashion alienates Everlane's current clientele — or sways Shein shoppers to trade up.—
Alina Selyukh,
NPR,
22 May 2026
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Biff shouts at him at the show’s excruciating climax) sways between light and dark, between the road and the deadly shoulder, advancing through his last hours on earth as if through the stations of the cross.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillates. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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