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 self-winding mechanical movement is also equipped with an 18-karat pink-gold oscillating weight and balance bridge—done up in the material specifically for this collection.
—
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
What follows is a candid discussion oscillating between the core components of Wachowski’s filmmaking philosophies and her experiences in gender transition, with aspirations towards a prolific future all the while.
—Nick Newman, IndieWire, 1 June 2026
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
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
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
What follows is a candid discussion oscillating between the core components of Wachowski’s filmmaking philosophies and her experiences in gender transition, with aspirations towards a prolific future all the while.
—Nick Newman, IndieWire, 1 June 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillating
Verb
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From a safety perspective, fluctuating temperatures and exposure to warm air can promote bacteria growth.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
7 June 2026
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Meanwhile, Roberts turned to the score, discovering similar emotions of falling and destruction in a fluctuating chorus.—
Steven Vargas,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Verb
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The robots this year played a game called REBUILT, with alliances working to score balls in massive goal towers, alternating between offensive and defensive play over the course of the match.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 2026
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Pittman was awarded primary physical custody of the kids during the school year, while Sidora will have parenting time on alternating weekends beginning in August, according to TMZ, citing the document.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
6 June 2026
Verb
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People gathered near the site to get a front row seat to the ground-shaking event.—
Abigail Dollins,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 June 2026
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Then, during one family movie night in November 2020, her husband noticed her arm was shaking.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Stiller says, turning on his game face as the camera is rolling.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
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The good times keep rolling through the commercial breaks, as A-listers rubbed elbows, and at the afterparties, where the big stars enjoyed burgers from Shake Shack and got their drink on.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
First and foremost, as was first reported by Shanghai Daily, the child was not seriously injured, so if your first instinct was to fear retribution for laughing at the visual of a humanoid robot doing a Rex-Kwan-Do routine in a clown wig and rocking some little kid in the chest, then worry not.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
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Add to that the soothing rhythm of a cozy train rocking along its tracks, and everyday stresses start to melt away.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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