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
March is the ultimate transitional month, full of days oscillating between brisk winter temperatures and sunny springtime moments.
—
Christina Perrier, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
Like many recent theater school grads, Dela Cruz was still trying to find his niche as a performer, oscillating between the pursuits of ethnic ambiguity — a casting asset — and cultural identity.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
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
Christina Perrier, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
Like many recent theater school grads, Dela Cruz was still trying to find his niche as a performer, oscillating between the pursuits of ethnic ambiguity — a casting asset — and cultural identity.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillating
Verb
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This achievement is particularly important because drones operate under demanding conditions such as vibration, motion, limited power supply, and fluctuating communication signals.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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The instability affecting global supply chains, like policy changes, extreme weather, fluctuating commodity prices, and surging electrification demand, means that planning for only one future is planning for failure.—
Travis Edmonds,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With the mixer on low speed, in two additions, add the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until just incorporated.—
Via Chronicle Books,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
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This alternating cycle is automatic, regulated subconsciously by the hypothalamus in the brain.—
Adam Taylor,
CNN Money,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Weak to light shaking has been detected and people reported feeling the tremor in several cities, including Geyserville, Kelseyville and Cloverdale according to the USGS DYFI report.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Mar. 2026
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But Bergeron was there every time his team needed a big stop, leaving the Vikings (15-7-2) shaking their heads many times.—
Matt Roy,
Boston Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The city is surrounded by rolling hills that turn a vivid green in spring and are dotted with incredible wineries that offer sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.—
Annie Daly,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
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Once the credits have finished rolling, retreat to sleep in one of their funky Spartan trailers, kitted out in Atomic Age furnishings.—
Zoey Goto,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Graham kept the pops of color going in another snap, rocking a pink denim romper with oversize tortoiseshell shades.—
Staff Author,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
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The earlier‑referenced Quest returns from its world cruise in July for Northern Europe and Canada/New England sailings — still rocking that new bow-to-stern makeover.—
David Dickstein,
Oc Register,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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