1
as in fluctuating
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 alternating
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 oscillating
The device is based on oscillating water column technology, which transforms wave motion into electricity by means of a turbine.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
The sphere at the top of the node bobs in the water, with the attached tube oscillating water within it, spinning turbines inside the structure that generate electricity.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Richard Mille says the manual winding system allows for a lighter, more streamlined build, without any pesky oscillating weight taking up space.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
In one form, called continuous wave EPR, the oscillating frequency conventionally is held steady, and the stronger field is swept through a range of values, necessitating a bulky specialized electromagnet.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
The four-speed, oscillating fan isn’t particularly fancy (sorry, no Matter support), but with summer right around the corner, the staff favorite is a practical pickup that can blow air up to 34 feet away.
—Brandon Widder, The Verge, 24 Apr. 2026
One of these experiment models, ABRACADABRA, employs high-sensitivity radio to capture the faint hum of axion’s oscillating magnetic fields thanks to the close cooperation of UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
Sometimes, men were overwhelmed, and many opened up to the possibility of feminism, doubled down, then opened up again, oscillating wildly between solidarity and oppression.
—Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Vibration types Most vibration platform machines use either tri-planar or oscillating vibration.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
The sphere at the top of the node bobs in the water, with the attached tube oscillating water within it, spinning turbines inside the structure that generate electricity.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 May 2026
Richard Mille says the manual winding system allows for a lighter, more streamlined build, without any pesky oscillating weight taking up space.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
In one form, called continuous wave EPR, the oscillating frequency conventionally is held steady, and the stronger field is swept through a range of values, necessitating a bulky specialized electromagnet.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
The four-speed, oscillating fan isn’t particularly fancy (sorry, no Matter support), but with summer right around the corner, the staff favorite is a practical pickup that can blow air up to 34 feet away.
—Brandon Widder, The Verge, 24 Apr. 2026
One of these experiment models, ABRACADABRA, employs high-sensitivity radio to capture the faint hum of axion’s oscillating magnetic fields thanks to the close cooperation of UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
Sometimes, men were overwhelmed, and many opened up to the possibility of feminism, doubled down, then opened up again, oscillating wildly between solidarity and oppression.
—Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
Vibration types Most vibration platform machines use either tri-planar or oscillating vibration.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillating
Verb
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Speaking to the press before departing the White House for a visit to China, the president defended the fluctuating cost of the ballroom project.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
12 May 2026
-
Our fluctuating temperatures, our comfort, the securing of a place in which to shelter or the lack of one, the tendency to seek out warmth.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
The next season, Morton and Staubach also split time — at some points, even alternating every play.—
Pat Graham,
Chicago Tribune,
12 May 2026
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Guests can follow a Contrast Circuit through three rounds of alternating pool temperatures, cold-plunge directly into the San Juan River from a dedicated platform or stand under Contrast Falls, a waterfall feature that delivers both hot spring water and cold river water.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
The other shows the two world leaders shaking hands.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
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Rinse under cold water 1 minute, shaking to ensure a thorough rinse.—
Midwest Living,
Midwest Living,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Guests who prefer imbibing to detoxing can also book cigar-rolling workshops, wine and rum tastings, and even personalized private dinners in Le Cave, which is the oldest wine cellar in the region and down the stairs from L’Oursin.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 May 2026
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In real life, once the cameras stop rolling, Wallace and McGarry have bonded over their dog named Darla, who made her online debut in March 2024.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
There is appreciation for not rocking the boat.—
Eric Adler
May 14,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
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And the Sabres are basically rocking the lite version of that, with Benson and Doan.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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