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 Atomic clocks keep time using the steady oscillations of atoms. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025 First, oscillations, or sudden swings in power flow, hit the grid. Julia Simon, NPR, 8 Oct. 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
  • Developed by researchers from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and 8 Rivers, the system leverages fluctuations in energy demand by using liquid oxygen storage (LOX) to make power plants more cost-effective and efficient.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Would face image values rise and drop with the fluctuations of one’s popularity?
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Key Takeaways Microwave ovens cook food using non-ionizing radiation, which causes vibrations and heat generation in food particles.
    Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025
  • And to me that Good vibrations Marky Mark version is just so Randy.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On the other hand, changing priorities for the American populace may prompt policy changes to address rising demand for certain medical specialties.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Approve or deny changes your teen requests to loosen restrictions.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillations. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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