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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
The microscope captured collective oscillations of superconducting electrons.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
There’s not much to quibble with in the market’s to-and-fro oscillations among sectors and themes so far.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
Casimir said the plates would act as a kind of guillotine for the electromagnetic field, chopping off long-wavelength oscillations in a way that would skew the zero-point energy.
—George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2026
Still others use the sun’s oscillations (essentially hot liquid earthquakes) to get a secondhand glance at its interior.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025
Because the experiments operate at different distances and energies, each captures complementary features of neutrino oscillations.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 4 Dec. 2025
Certain kinds of atomic nuclei—including those of the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule—can be made to oscillate in a magnetic field, and these oscillations can be detected with coils of wire.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
These oscillations tend to vary through the course of the winter season, and locally have a greater effect on our weather at times.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
Spain's main grid operator took steps to control the oscillations, including sending less power to France.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
There’s not much to quibble with in the market’s to-and-fro oscillations among sectors and themes so far.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026
Casimir said the plates would act as a kind of guillotine for the electromagnetic field, chopping off long-wavelength oscillations in a way that would skew the zero-point energy.
—George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2026
Still others use the sun’s oscillations (essentially hot liquid earthquakes) to get a secondhand glance at its interior.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025
Because the experiments operate at different distances and energies, each captures complementary features of neutrino oscillations.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 4 Dec. 2025
Certain kinds of atomic nuclei—including those of the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule—can be made to oscillate in a magnetic field, and these oscillations can be detected with coils of wire.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
These oscillations tend to vary through the course of the winter season, and locally have a greater effect on our weather at times.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
Spain's main grid operator took steps to control the oscillations, including sending less power to France.
—Julia Simon, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillations
Noun
-
Modest fluctuations in oil prices don't count for much in that worldview.—
Matt Peterson,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Because of the dramatic fluctuations these spaces typically experience, storing paint in a garage is acceptable only if the temperature remains stable.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Team principal Adrian Newey then revealed on Thursday that drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are currently unable to complete even half a race distance due to fears of permanent nerve damage from the significant vibrations in the car.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Designed to protect infrastructure from earthquakes, wind, and industrial vibrations, the invention offers a low-cost, reliable alternative to other damping systems.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That’s according to a new poll of 806 Boise voters commissioned by the Gem State Housing Alliance and the Welcoming Neighbors Network, a housing advocacy group pushing for zoning changes to open more avenues for denser, smaller and less- expensive homes.—
Mark Dee
March 3,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The cabinet changes come on the heels of both a political pact, recently signed by parties with the prime minister, and the launching of the registration process for those seeking to run candidates in the next elections.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillations. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
