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

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

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 That haziness gets more distorted on the title track, which hits its apex with siren-like oscillations. — Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026 However, the experiments demonstrated coordinated oscillations, not a robot capable of performing multiple practical tasks. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026 Scientists defined 1 second as exactly 9,192,631,770 of these oscillations. — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 And the disturbing oscillations are a journey from uncertainty to insight, a train ride from introspection to moral resolution. — Ben Corn, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026 On 28 April 2025, a series of power oscillations, voltage gaps, and reactive power control failures set off a cascade of disconnections across the Iberian Peninsula. — IEEE Spectrum, 29 Aug. 2026 Hoell and his colleagues analyzed nearly four decades of El Niño and La Niña oscillations and wildfire burn areas to understand how often the fire season mirrors the climate cycle. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 Rapid oscillations trigger muscle contractions that can indirectly support lymph movement. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 When two black holes collide, their song ripples through the very fabric of existence, creating a thundering chorus of oscillations in spacetime that echo across the universe like the fading gong of a bell. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillations
Noun
  • That abundance could reduce dependence on lithium mining and price fluctuations.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The condition is also marked by dramatic fluctuations in alertness that occur within hours of the same day.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Relentless transit traffic and low-frequency vibrations will skirt right behind residential properties, an elementary school and local community spaces.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • To experience the power of collective vibrations, especially for anyone who has ever felt different, unseen, or too much.
    — Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Surveys have repeatedly shown that Americans don't like the current clock changes, with lawmakers and physicians blaming the regular time shifts for drowsiness, inconveniences and even risks to health.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In short, this study showed how the material responds to mechanical force, temperature, and chemical changes, but its effectiveness in real propulsion systems remains to be established.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillations. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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