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
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
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Plus, Malekzadeh said that the estrogen changes in the rats happened abruptly, which doesn’t reflect the gradual and fluctuating loss women experience due to perimenopause and menopause.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
7 Jan. 2026
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Hydrangea plants also benefit from protection against fluctuating winter temperatures, which can disturb the roots and crown.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Repeat, alternating dry ingredients and milk, until the batter is just mixed.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
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The label features a delicate garland stripe of winter berries and alternating stars set against a muted sage backdrop reminiscent of winter foliage.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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The rolling prairie outside the single-story clapboard home is where Lonny learned from their grandfather how to break horses.—
Katheryn Houghton,
NPR,
8 Jan. 2026
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And Blackhawk, a community of large homes in rolling hills where evacuation routes are limited, was in the line of fire from the 300 acres of volatile landscape, Aguiar said.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In the first slide, a selfie captured Bieber rocking beach waves and a plunging black tank top, while the second image featured her ankle adorned with a gold chain and charm of her son's name next to Jack's tiny foot.—
Tessa Petak,
InStyle,
5 Jan. 2026
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The collection is a bit of a 180° for the athlete, who's known for rocking baggier getups while flying down a hill — or several feet in the air — when competing in his specialized slope style, big air and big-mountain skiing.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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