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
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
The best way to grab the oscillating tool and a high-output battery at a steep discount.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026
Vibration types Most vibration platform machines use either tri-planar or oscillating vibration.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Tyran Stokes, hailed as the top prospect in the high school class of 2026, has bounced up and down the West Coast, attending three different high schools in four years, while fans on Reddit scrutinize his performance and national media agonize over his oscillating college decision.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
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
The best way to grab the oscillating tool and a high-output battery at a steep discount.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026
Vibration types Most vibration platform machines use either tri-planar or oscillating vibration.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Tyran Stokes, hailed as the top prospect in the high school class of 2026, has bounced up and down the West Coast, attending three different high schools in four years, while fans on Reddit scrutinize his performance and national media agonize over his oscillating college decision.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillating
Verb
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Picking the right airline can be difficult, especially when there are so many choices to consider, and prices are constantly fluctuating.—
Jamie Spain,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
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Conditions such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and severe anxiety disorders frequently involve fluctuating symptoms.—
Jeffrey Freedman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In college, possession is awarded to one team or the other based on an alternating possession arrow, but at the pro level the players involved in the call actually have to play out the jump to resume the game.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
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Now comes Game 7 and there are two pieces of alternating history Magic fans can lean on.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
Verb
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This is the kind of car that would be a treat to see stateside – and likely one that will have American automakers shaking in their boots.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 May 2026
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Redick said, when going back into the rolodex of his career, that shaking off the rust – as Reaves is doing right now – can have different results depending on the scenario.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
Verb
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The Dodgers’ offense was rolling again, ready to make a statement with a third-inning rally against the Astros.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
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The girls, buzzed on miniature cans of soda, lingered in the liminal space between rolling credits and parental pickup.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Expect Maxey and Embiid to both play well today, and for the Philly faithful to have the arena rocking.—
David Troy,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
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Arrowhead Stadium would be rocking on a cool late fall evening.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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