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.
Related Words
Relevance
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.
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of oscillating
He’s known as a kind of technological monk, oscillating between prankster and doomsayer.
—
Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Trump has spent the past week oscillating wildly between threats of war and offers of peace.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Duzsik tosses and turns, oscillating between what feels like sincerity and his awareness that he’s being manipulated.
—Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2026
An oscillating multi-tool is better for large jobs, and it can also be used for other projects.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 5 Jan. 2026
An oscillating fan hung on a cinder block wall in the one of the rooms caused an electrical fire, Beal said.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 12 Dec. 2025
Their modulator uses microwave-frequency vibrations, oscillating billions of times per second, to manipulate laser light with remarkable precision.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Dec. 2025
Wertheim marveled at the oscillating motion.
—Will Croxton, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
The same year, the architect turned his sole proprietor firm into a partnership with several senior architects and continued to build his oscillating architecture in cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2025
Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Trump has spent the past week oscillating wildly between threats of war and offers of peace.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Duzsik tosses and turns, oscillating between what feels like sincerity and his awareness that he’s being manipulated.
—Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2026
An oscillating multi-tool is better for large jobs, and it can also be used for other projects.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 5 Jan. 2026
An oscillating fan hung on a cinder block wall in the one of the rooms caused an electrical fire, Beal said.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 12 Dec. 2025
Their modulator uses microwave-frequency vibrations, oscillating billions of times per second, to manipulate laser light with remarkable precision.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Dec. 2025
Wertheim marveled at the oscillating motion.
—Will Croxton, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
The same year, the architect turned his sole proprietor firm into a partnership with several senior architects and continued to build his oscillating architecture in cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillating
Verb
-
Marlins are projected to win about 75 games this season, that number fluctuating a game or two depending on the model used.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
16 Feb. 2026
-
In the northern and central United States, including Wisconsin, the cool spring season will consist of fluctuating warm and cold spells, the Farmers' Almanac predicts.—
Kelli Arseneau,
jsonline.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In the early days of the Grand Traverse, skiers competed on lightweight Nordic gear using telemark technique with free heels and alternating bent knees.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The relay pairs complete four laps, with women taking the first leg and the team members alternating from there.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This new #earthquake shaking potential map from the California Geological Survey highlights the distribution of shaking hazard across #California.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Her legs were physically shaking in her beginning pose.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Davis has since admitted the uncharacteristic miss — the ball hit the front rim, back rim and side rim again before rolling off — negatively impacted him for weeks.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
But producers kept the cameras rolling throughout Shandi’s distress, capturing her sobbing frame and even filming a tearful phone call with her boyfriend back home.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Ainfox 4-Piece Outdoor Furniture Swivel Chair Sets This set comes with two sturdy swivel chairs, a rocking loveseat, and a side table—all rust- and weather-resistant, with steel framing.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In addition to Outcome, Diaz is also set to appear in the Netflix comedy Bad Day—and she's already been spotted rocking a few polarizing outfits on the set of the film!—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
