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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oscillations
For instance, light particles like positrons (or electrons, in this experiment) need extremely fast oscillations, gigahertz (GHz) frequencies, to stay confined.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 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
The oscillations are influenced by the structure of the Sun's interior, which is defined by flows of plasma within the convective layer.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 26 Mar. 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
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
James Provost Like an MRI scanner, a proton-precession magnetometer measures the oscillations of hydrogen nuclei—that is, protons.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 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
The oscillations are influenced by the structure of the Sun's interior, which is defined by flows of plasma within the convective layer.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 26 Mar. 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
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
James Provost Like an MRI scanner, a proton-precession magnetometer measures the oscillations of hydrogen nuclei—that is, protons.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillations
Noun
-
There’s still much to discover about the biology underlying these distinctions, but research suggests that hormonal fluctuations throughout life, differences in upper airway anatomy, and even social stigmas about how women should sleep are likely at play.—
Katie Camero,
SELF,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The metric excludes pricing and foreign exchange fluctuations to reflect demand more accurately.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Containing seven audio channels and two bass speakers, its vibrations can be felt against the skin.—
Samantha Lee
Connect
April 17,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Warning signs of failure include strange noises or vibrations, constant running, rust, and odors.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Travelers flying to, from and within Europe could soon see major changes to baggage fees, as lawmakers consider requiring airlines to include carry-on bags in ticket prices.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Slowly but surely, changes have occurred.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillations. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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