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 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 Ultra 2 and some other smartwatches provide more information for running workouts, such as your cadence and advanced form metrics like ground contact time and vertical oscillation. PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2025 Stabilizing the oscillations following normal rules caused a slightly higher-than-usual voltage. IEEE Spectrum, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
Noun
  • The fluctuation in price is due to advanced safety features like AFCI and GFCI protection along with mandatory updates to meet current electrical codes, the store said.
    Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Still, there are many shorter ones with weekly or even daily fluctuations.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The closer or farther apart the strings, the different the vibration.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This high-tech watch is made for the outdoors, with a titanium casing, IP68 water and dust resistance, MIL-STD-810H hardening for temperature, shock and vibration, and more.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In November 2016, two of Boeing’s 737 MAX flight technical pilots discovered information about an important change to the control system part.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Royals shift starting rotation plans The Royals made a late change regarding Thursday’s starter.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Weak shaking was felt throughout parts of northern New Jersey, including Newark, Paterson and Englewood, and across the New York City area, according to impact reports compiled by USGS.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Still, the cluster exhibited a subtle trembling motion while it was held in place.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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