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
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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
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Recent Examples of oscillations
Scientists do not yet know exactly what causes the oscillations.
—
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 June 2026
As these frequencies are extremely stable, counting their oscillations provides an exceptionally accurate way to measure time.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
The computer simulations enabled the team to break down those different sizes, revealing that the initial tail oscillations produce large vortex rings that generate thrust, and those larger ones then produce many more smaller vortices.
—ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026
The team took advantage of the phase difference between the two oscillations to turn the ILO into a kind of frequency-to-phase converter circuit.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 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
Taken altogether, this explains the decrease in time between SN 2024afav’s luminosity oscillations and confirms Kasen’s magnetar theory.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 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
Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 June 2026
As these frequencies are extremely stable, counting their oscillations provides an exceptionally accurate way to measure time.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
The computer simulations enabled the team to break down those different sizes, revealing that the initial tail oscillations produce large vortex rings that generate thrust, and those larger ones then produce many more smaller vortices.
—ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026
The team took advantage of the phase difference between the two oscillations to turn the ILO into a kind of frequency-to-phase converter circuit.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 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
Taken altogether, this explains the decrease in time between SN 2024afav’s luminosity oscillations and confirms Kasen’s magnetar theory.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillations
Noun
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Risks of missing meals include blood sugar level fluctuations, low energy, anxiety, weight gain, nutrient gaps, and other health complications.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
11 June 2026
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Weather conditions and fluctuations in energy supply mean that power surges are real, and don't just happen to other people.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
11 June 2026
Noun
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Laser control breakthrough These ultra-fast vibrations allow researchers to directly control a laser’s phase and generate new frequencies with high stability and efficiency—functions essential for quantum computing, sensing, and networking.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Dec. 2025
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This suggests the vibrations altered how their brains processed exertion signals from the muscles, making the workout feel easier and more manageable.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Dec. 2025
Noun
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With the tax hike dead, park advocates made their case to the Charter Reform Commission, the citizens panel that was reviewing changes to the City Charter.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
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Republicans have rejected Democratic claims that recent election law changes are intended to suppress votes, arguing the measures are designed to improve election security and voter confidence.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillations. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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