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.
Related Words
Relevance
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.
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of oscillating
Another tool is an oscillating multi-tool equipped with a masonry blade.
—
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
Wertheim marveled at the oscillating motion.
—Will Croxton, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
The same year, the architect turned his sole proprietor firm into a partnership with several senior architects and continued to build his oscillating architecture in cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2025
Kenny thinks of it in the same way as Star Wars and the oscillating reactions to the releases that came out after the original trilogy, including the prequels.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Nov. 2025
This heater has two heat settings and an oscillating base so heat is evenly distributed throughout your space.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Merokeety Fall Oversized Batwing Lounge Set Fall temperatures are notoriously unpredictable, oscillating between hot and cold, so a sweatshirt-and-shorts duo like this set from Merokeety will prepare for both climates.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
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
Wertheim marveled at the oscillating motion.
—Will Croxton, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
The same year, the architect turned his sole proprietor firm into a partnership with several senior architects and continued to build his oscillating architecture in cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2025
Kenny thinks of it in the same way as Star Wars and the oscillating reactions to the releases that came out after the original trilogy, including the prequels.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Nov. 2025
This heater has two heat settings and an oscillating base so heat is evenly distributed throughout your space.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Merokeety Fall Oversized Batwing Lounge Set Fall temperatures are notoriously unpredictable, oscillating between hot and cold, so a sweatshirt-and-shorts duo like this set from Merokeety will prepare for both climates.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillating
Verb
-
Unfortunately, basements experience fluctuating temperatures and high humidity levels, which can cause severe damage to materials like wood and fabric, especially in the winter.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Your weight is fluctuating for no apparent reason Poor gut microbiome health can really mess with your metabolism, which can lead to weight changes.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Araki flashes back a tongue-in-cheek nine-and-a-half weeks to show us, alternating key moments from Elliot’s life with deadpan police interrogation scenes, where Elliot is questioned by officers played, with Araki’s undeniable casting brilliance, by Margaret Cho and Johnny Knoxville.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Prince Rainier presented Kelly with an eternity band-style ring made up of alternating rubies and diamonds, a nod to the colors of Monaco’s flag.—
Rachel Garrahan,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Structure information summary Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly resistant to earthquake shaking, though some vulnerable structures exist.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
While Bryant was able to come from behind, the Lady Hornets had a hard time shaking off the Lady Warriors.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Paton is rolling into the offseason with diamond encrusted Walmart gift card in his wallet.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Brandon Miller scored 30 points, and the Charlotte Hornets took a 50-point lead for the second time this month on the way to rolling past the Philadelphia 76ers 130-93 on Monday afternoon.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Just before she was spotted at the awards show, the Kylie Cosmetics founder (who didn't walk the carpet) showed off her ensemble on Instagram, rocking a custom sequin Ashi Studio curve-hugging gown with a low sweetheart neckline accented with straps that lay across her shoulders and chest.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Former Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello, surprise guest Bruce Springsteen and a cadre of hard-rocking friends delivered a high-energy musical call-to-action during a benefit concert at noon Friday at First Avenue in Minneapolis.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
