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 In deeper stages of non-REM sleep, these neurons fall into a slow, rhythmic oscillation of activity punctuated by stretches of silence. Rachel Barr, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025 Political oscillations are as much of a challenge to dealing with climate change as climate change itself. Robert G. Eccles, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 The oscillation also produces a significant variation in pressure on the shuttlecock's feathers. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 2025 The findings note some unusual voltage oscillations across the grid in both the days preceding and during the morning of the blackout. IEEE Spectrum, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
  • That led to allegations that Ticketmaster was using its controversial dynamic pricing model, which allows for price fluctuations based on demand.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The process also faces accuracy issues, as fluctuations in parameter optimization can impact control over shape and size.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • His phone rang, an audible vibration inside the fanny pack.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The National Nuclear Security Administration funds the sensors, which undergo rigorous shock, vibration, thermal vacuum, and prompt X-ray testing to survive launch and the harsh space environment.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Humphrey and his command staff are working with Effective Law Enforcement For All (ELEFA), the group recently chosen by city officials as the independent monitor to oversee changes promised for the department.
    Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Part of the reason the league adopted an overtime format then is that the stewards of the game wanted more excitement — the addition of overtime was part of multiple rule changes meant to encourage passing and scoring.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Patients first experience twitching or weakness in a limb, often followed by slurred speech.
    Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Both are from Los Angeles and were surprised by the power of the shaking.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Lost in the trembling of my own body, trembling like Bunny’s body.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Olsen plays Joan’s indecision with winsome fluster, at first breathy and trembling but eventually finding her resolve.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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