oscillations

Definition of oscillationsnext
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 This prevents stray heat from disrupting the atoms’ oscillations. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 29 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
  • This could result in small fluctuations in the current of these jets that generate magnetic fields that cause further instability.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • These market fluctuations have affected everyone in the space, including OS Group.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Between engine vibrations, road chatter, suspension feedback, and your basic rider movement, the seat is a noisy communication channel already.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Living on Debra Drive has changed drastically thanks to unwanted horns and vibrations.
    Samantha Chaney, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • There were four lead changes and neither team led by more than 5.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Now, a new jury will hear details of the brutal crime as Braddy again faces execution due to changes in Florida’s death penalty law.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillations. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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