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
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
The operational detector will precisely image interactions using detailed 3D tracking, enabling measurement of neutrino oscillations, as well as differences between neutrinos and antineutrinos.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
The Dual-Flex uses internal oscillation (60°) to spread heated airflow through the room.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
The soft tick of a hi-hat pushes everything forward, and the space between each oscillation gets wider and wider, eventually melting away.
—Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
The operational detector will precisely image interactions using detailed 3D tracking, enabling measurement of neutrino oscillations, as well as differences between neutrinos and antineutrinos.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
The Dual-Flex uses internal oscillation (60°) to spread heated airflow through the room.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
The soft tick of a hi-hat pushes everything forward, and the space between each oscillation gets wider and wider, eventually melting away.
—Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
-
Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause, marked by fluctuations in the hormones estrogen and progesterone.—
Ann Juliano,
The Conversation,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Bodies naturally change due to aging, hormonal shifts, weight fluctuation, and lifestyle adjustments, which means fit should be reassessed regularly.—
Malana VanTyler
March 20,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Tunnels are proposed at depths of 40 to 120 feet below the surface in the project area, and 80 to 120 feet below Mid-City — depths in which noise and vibration are estimated to be below the threshold of damage to structures and human perception, according to Metro.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
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Strict limits were also set on data centers’ vibration emissions, which also have reporting requirements.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Friday starts warm with mostly sunny skies in the morning, but changes arrive around midday.—
Michael Autovino,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Some Charlotte region transportation board members want a say on whether the contentious Interstate 77 South toll lane project should continue based on upcoming design changes.—
Desiree Mathurin
March 27,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The disease, which gets worse over time, starts with muscle twitching, slurred speech, or weakness in an arm or leg.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
20 Feb. 2026
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After 10 weeks without food, Muraisi is experiencing involuntary muscular twitching and severe chest pains, according to Prisoners for Palestine, with her doctors warning of possible cardiovascular collapse.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
22 Mar. 2026
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Moderate shaking impacted 19,000 people near the temblor’s epicenter.—
Chris Dolce,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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Its strength ranges from mild, causing little more discomfort than a slight trembling, to severe, in which passengers or flight crew can be thrown around the cabin and risk injury if not wearing seatbelts.—
Cat Rainsford,
Popular Science,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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