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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Recent Examples of oscillating
The interactions between the electrons of these oscillating atoms changed their angles too.
—
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
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 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
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
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 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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In their alternating waves of resentment and understanding, anger and sorrow, D’Arcy and Cooke imbue Rhaenyra and Alicent’s dynamic with all the weight of this history and none of its convolutions.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
15 June 2026
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Their shows are driven by a physicality both intricately choreographed and fizzily chaotic, tightness and looseness alternating — even somehow overlapping — in a rolling series of lazzi and dances, fistfights and slapstick routines.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Add 2 ounces of water to compensate for shaking.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
13 June 2026
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In a major rupture, strong shaking could last tens of seconds to more than a minute.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
The plan is a direct result of South Africa’s crippling electricity crisis, which peaked between 2023 and 2023 when record-breaking rolling blackouts threatened economic collapse.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
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Emanuel and White served as VIP shepherds at times, bringing dignitaries over to talk to Trump when the action was quiet in the octagon, and commercials were rolling for viewers on TV.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Got a perfect match from Chris Richards, the Afro-rocking defender with the long, loping strides, who was 83 for 83 on his passes.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
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By 2015, both sisters had subdued their texture, rocking depleted waves in place.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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