1
as in fluctuation
the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another fickle springtime weather in which there seemed to be an unceasing oscillation between unseasonable heat and unseasonable cold

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2
as in vibration
a series of slight movements by a body back and forth or from side to side the precise oscillations of the quartz crystal that allows a quartz watch to keep such accurate time

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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 oscillation Starting with the oscillation from high to low tariffs coupled with the 90 day pause, not to mention the trade war between the U.S. and China, the events of the last few weeks have left the business world reeling. Daniel Webber, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 The entire assembly sits on a mechanical base that provides 350 degrees of oscillation movement. PC Magazine, 15 May 2025 The frequency of oscillations in the tubes, and therefore the robot’s speed, was regulated by adjusting the amount of air pumped into each tube. ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025 This pulse can trigger a process known as electromagnetic dissociation, in which a photon interacts with a nucleus, inducing internal oscillations that eject neutrons and photons. Victoria Corless, Space.com, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
  • Some of the symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, joint and muscle pains, weight fluctuations, depression, anxiety and hair loss.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Costco announced late Wednesday that its U.S. core comparable sales, excluding gas prices and currency fluctuations, rose 5.5% for the four weeks ending Jul. 6, slightly below Wall Street’s estimate of 6% estimate but above buy-side expectations of 5%, according to JPMorgan’s analysis.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Sound and vibration contribute to driver fatigue, so the FH Aero can improve employee job satisfaction and safety.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Sensors monitor pressure, vibration, and alignment while a centralized AI control unit coordinates the balance and movements into a synchronized crawl.
    Joe Salas June 29, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Starbucks has also made big strategic changes to improve efficiency, including cutting down on its extensive food and drink menu and doing away with some options for drink customizations.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • Williams also brought in massive changes to its technical staff, that are improving the team's aerodynamic capabilities.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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