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
There are some adjustments that stand out — the Nationals are crushing fastballs and swinging less with two strikes — but overall, this is an offense of oscillation.
—
Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2026
For instance, light particles like positrons (or electrons, in this experiment) need extremely fast oscillations, gigahertz (GHz) frequencies, to stay confined.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
For her part, Conrad is leading an experiment called Isodar, which will look specifically for fast neutrino oscillation caused by any number of light sterile neutrinos.
—Quanta Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026
European markets’ Tuesday oscillations followed a four-day Easter break, after finishing Thursday’s session in mixed territory.
—Hugh Leask,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2026
For instance, light particles like positrons (or electrons, in this experiment) need extremely fast oscillations, gigahertz (GHz) frequencies, to stay confined.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
For her part, Conrad is leading an experiment called Isodar, which will look specifically for fast neutrino oscillation caused by any number of light sterile neutrinos.
—Quanta Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026
European markets’ Tuesday oscillations followed a four-day Easter break, after finishing Thursday’s session in mixed territory.
—Hugh Leask,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
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Hormonal therapies may also be helpful for some patients, particularly when disease activity is influenced by hormonal fluctuations.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
6 May 2026
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As any dieter knows, fluctuations and regain can happen.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Noun
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In court Tuesday, lawyers for the Dali's owner pushed to introduce an inspection report—completed after the Dali left Baltimore—showing the vessel had vibration issues that could have led to the loose wire.—
Mike Hellgren,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
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Red Bull, on the other hand, came to Miami having a sixth-place finish as its best result so far this season, while serious vibration issues have kept Aston Martin at the bottom rung in 10th place.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
4 May 2026
Noun
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The most recent playoff game with at least 25 lead changes came May 2, 2015, when the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers had 31.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
7 May 2026
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Although still early days, the adoption of AI is contributing to changes in the occupational mix; has been directly cited as a reason (or, perhaps, scapegoat) for layoffs; and has shown potential to influence economy-shaping dynamics such as productivity and wages.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
7 May 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,
2 May 2026
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The team also found that certain near-surface features, such as softer rock layers above where the stopping phase happens, can further enhance it, leading to more severe shaking of the ground at the surface.—
Jacek Krywko,
Scientific American,
23 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 8 May. 2026.
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