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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Automation fears shadow labor fight Supporters say rising vehicle costs, fluctuating pay and opaque app algorithms have fueled frustration among drivers who often work long hours while paying for gas, insurance, maintenance and vehicle wear-and-tear themselves.—
Leah Willingham,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
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Supporters say rising vehicle costs, fluctuating pay and opaque app algorithms have fueled frustration among drivers who often work long hours while paying for gas, insurance, maintenance and vehicle wear-and-tear themselves.—
Leah Willingham,
Fortune,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Rupert was transported to the hospital and genetic testing led to him being diagnosed with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) in January 2026.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
25 May 2026
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Then add kitchen scraps and green clippings, and continue alternating layers.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
24 May 2026
Verb
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With Arena Monterrey shaking, El Grande II hit a flying clothesline for a nearfall.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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YouTubers in their 20s are shaking things up in Hollywood.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Despite the roughly two hour and 45-minute rain delay in Hoover, Alabama, the Bulldogs and their red-hot offense kept rolling.—
Sarah Spencer,
AJC.com,
25 May 2026
-
The field took turns rolling each other up.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Paul Anthony Kelly is spotted on the streets of New York City on May 26 rocking a boat-neck navy sweater, black glasses and a big smile.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
30 May 2026
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The explosion – rocking the Atlantic Coast of Florida and startling residents – completely destroyed the rocket's booster and upper stage that flies in orbit, while significantly damaging the launch pad.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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