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
Included in the savings are a heat-busting oscillating tower fan from Dreo for those sticky summer days, a portable electric blender from NutriBullet for smoothies on the go, and cooling pillows from Casper designed for hot sleepers.
—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
This wet-dry vacuum hosts up to 60 minutes of run time, including a hard-floor brush and a carpet brush for oscillating between surfaces, and a self-cleaning brush roll.
—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
25 June 2026
The result is a movement whose surfaces absorb and redirect light in alternating intensities, oscillating in an almost alchemical interplay of matte depth and metallic sheen as the wrist moves.
—
Richard Mille Contributor,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
From oscillating fans to ice-cold beverages to no-cook dinners, keeping your home comfortable may require some creative tweaks and a break from routine.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
23 June 2026
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
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
This wet-dry vacuum hosts up to 60 minutes of run time, including a hard-floor brush and a carpet brush for oscillating between surfaces, and a self-cleaning brush roll.
—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
25 June 2026
The result is a movement whose surfaces absorb and redirect light in alternating intensities, oscillating in an almost alchemical interplay of matte depth and metallic sheen as the wrist moves.
—
Richard Mille Contributor,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
From oscillating fans to ice-cold beverages to no-cook dinners, keeping your home comfortable may require some creative tweaks and a break from routine.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
23 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillating
Verb
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Shady Alassar | Anadolu | Getty Images Oil rose slightly early Tuesday, fluctuating as investors show cautious optimism about an end to the conflict in the Middle East.
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Google fell less than 1% Tuesday, while SpaceX gained about 1% after fluctuating in volatile trading.
Verb
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Trump has promised dozens of times now that a final deal is coming, alternating that with threats of total destruction.
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The best treatment for these pests, which include aphids, white flies, and thrips, is typically done with alternating treatment of neem oil and insecticidal soap.
Verb
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Right now, that faith is shaking as a wave of cruelty sweeps through our communities.
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With more shaking or churning, these grains grow and separate from the watery, naturally low-fat buttermilk.
Verb
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When Doncic played for the Dallas Mavericks and led them to the 2024 NBA Finals, his two centers — Derek Lively and Daniel Gafford — were exceptional in their roles as lob threats, blocking shots and rolling to the rim.
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All year, the coastline is a unique, peaceful, and untouched place, thanks to its state park status (no one’s rolling a cooler and beach umbrella onto these rocks).
Verb
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The emphasis is on fun and teamwork, rather than unleashing some sort of psycho Woody Hayes trip on a bunch of kids who are still rocking footy pajamas.
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But other than Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale rocking up as the opposition center forward, this cinematic retelling lacks such unpredictability.
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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