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
The best expression of that extreme oscillation is in Drive, his first collaboration with Refn that birthed cool-guy Gosling.
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
Taken altogether, this explains the decrease in time between SN 2024afav’s luminosity oscillations and confirms Kasen’s magnetar theory.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026
This oscillation between panoramic distance and tactile proximity animates the forest as a sentient protagonist, one who occasionally addresses visitors in a woman’s voice.
—Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
This oscillation between rage at one’s own powerlessness and fantasies of violence is the song’s motive force.
—Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
Taken altogether, this explains the decrease in time between SN 2024afav’s luminosity oscillations and confirms Kasen’s magnetar theory.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026
This oscillation between panoramic distance and tactile proximity animates the forest as a sentient protagonist, one who occasionally addresses visitors in a woman’s voice.
—Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
This oscillation between rage at one’s own powerlessness and fantasies of violence is the song’s motive force.
—Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
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The drop in Hermes shares was even steeper, last seen down 12% as currency fluctuations weighed on the firm's sales figures.—
Joseph Wilkins,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
15 Apr. 2026
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Early springtime is often considered a good time for tree pruning, just before new growth appears, but spring weather can make this challenging when there's temperature fluctuations and unexpected rain showers.—
Peg Aloi,
The Spruce,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Warning signs of failure include strange noises or vibrations, constant running, rust, and odors.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
16 Apr. 2026
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Sound, light, and vibration reshape our perceptions.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Families of the victims pleaded with the judge to deny bail and ultimately, there were no changes in bail for any of the defendants.—
Kayla Moeller,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, Cindy Long told ABC that the administration’s changes will only build on prior policy wins.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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During this phase, octopuses display visible twitching along with rapid changes in skin color and texture, per NPR.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
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Gosnell did not testify at his 2013 trial, but his defense attorney argued that none of the fetuses were born alive and that any movements were posthumous twitching or spasms, according to the AP.—
Greg Norman-Diamond,
FOXNews.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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A number of people across Northern California reported hearing the alerts generated by the USGS ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system before feeling the shaking.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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All the trembling, as Kimbangu touched the sick, alarmed European settlers and reassured the plantation workers who trekked to Nkamba in search of healing.—
Rodney Muhumuza,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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At first this change of scale vivifies the butterfly—its brief stillness, the angle of its wings, its trembling—while freezing everything else, including the novel’s action.—
Ben Lerner,
The New York Review of Books,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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