oscillations

plural of oscillation
1
as in fluctuations
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 vibrations
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 oscillations Superimposed on this slow drift are smaller and more frequent oscillations known as nutations. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025 Instead, gravitational waves, as natural quantum oscillations of space-time itself, are enough in this model to create the density fluctuations that lead to matter developing structures like galaxies, stars, and planets. Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Scientists have continued to develop light-flickering stimulation to induce gamma-wave oscillations in Alzheimer's disease patients. New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025 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 These oscillations, between the excited state and the de-excited state, are what cause the emission of light. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 7 Aug. 2025 Stabilizing the oscillations following normal rules caused a slightly higher-than-usual voltage. IEEE Spectrum, 16 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillations
Noun
  • Still, there are many shorter ones with weekly or even daily fluctuations.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Big market fluctuations are the worst time to make knee-jerk decisions about your long-term plans.
    Hillary Stalker, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Each Raptor engine must fire in perfect synchronization, maintaining stability during launch while withstanding extreme forces and vibrations.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Inside is the reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, running at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 41-hour power reserve.
    Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Louisville feels the time is now to approach the NCAA about 2013 in light of the Michigan sign stealing outcome and seismic changes in college sports.
    Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Those changes have contributed to phosphorus and nitrogen loading in the lakes.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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