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

Relevance
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

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 This is just the normal oscillation around economic equilibrium. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025 These continued through the morning of April 28 until shortly after noon, when an unusual frequency oscillation occurred. ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025 Typically, these oscillations are associated with memory retrieval, dreaming and deep meditation. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 The competing forces of gravity and pressure generated by photons caused the particles to go awry, bouncing around and creating waves called baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs). Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
  • This significantly reduces the risk of near-term revenue fluctuations and reinforces InterDigital’s intellectual property strength in mobile, video, and AI standards.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Fun fact: Women’s monthly hormonal fluctuations are one reason why women (and even female mice) haven’t always been included in medical or exercise science research.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • This state-of-the-art, medical-grade beauty device is designed with six key functions: electroporation, micro-current, EMS, electric needles, LED, and sonic vibration.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • With its high-density acrylic platter, this turntable can help dampen vibrations, which essentially makes the sound smoother and clearer.
    Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Not huge change, said Jason Eddleston, who bought the business in 2022 with his wife, Lindsey.
    Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The Sky front office could feel a change coming to the league even before the 2024 draft brought high-profile stars such as Clark and Reese and new levels of popularity.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oscillation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!