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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oscillation
Because the experiments operate at different distances and energies, each captures complementary features of neutrino oscillations.
—
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 4 Dec. 2025
This is a wine-glass shaped hemisphere of quartz that resonates, producing a standing wave oscillation.
—New Atlas, 2 Dec. 2025
James Provost Like an MRI scanner, a proton-precession magnetometer measures the oscillations of hydrogen nuclei—that is, protons.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
These oscillations tend to vary through the course of the winter season, and locally have a greater effect on our weather at times.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 4 Dec. 2025
This is a wine-glass shaped hemisphere of quartz that resonates, producing a standing wave oscillation.
—New Atlas, 2 Dec. 2025
James Provost Like an MRI scanner, a proton-precession magnetometer measures the oscillations of hydrogen nuclei—that is, protons.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
These oscillations tend to vary through the course of the winter season, and locally have a greater effect on our weather at times.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
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Inside the manifold’s interior, fluctuations are similarly restricted, which generates a Casimir-like force.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Noll said the port’s 2025 results show its ability to weather fluctuations in policy as administrations come and go.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
These networks are built to withstand temperature swings, moisture, vibration, and physical obstructions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The vibration breaks up internal rust and helps the oil work deeper into the threads.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Trump had no expectations for his meeting with Machado, the president's spokeswoman said, and wasn't seeking information from her that could speed up the timeline for change in leadership or democratic elections.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Markets are callous and only react meaningfully when these events impact economic fundamentals or lead to a change in policy.—
Chloe Taylor,Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Patients first experience twitching or weakness in a limb, as Decker did.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
16 Dec. 2025
-
The more serious side effects of caffeine overdose include trouble breathing, sudden high blood pressure, muscle twitching, confusion, vomiting and seizures.—
News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
13 Jan. 2026
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The strongest shaking was recorded in parts of Matsue and Yasugi in Shimane, and Sakaiminato and nearby towns in Tottori.—
Anthony Trotter,
ABC News,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There’s Walter’s serene cello and Marjorie’s pensive, slightly coy violin, sometimes playful or petulant or, still, a little vain and secretive — other times thin and trembling, lost in the haze of dementia.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
-
Lost in the trembling of my own body, trembling like Bunny’s body.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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