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
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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Vonnegut’s novel is a gem from a simpler era of possible space exploration, complete with the dumbest Martian invasion in literature, kitelike beings that subsist on Mercury’s vibrations, and, of course, Vonnegut’s perennial alien characters, the Tralfamadorians.—
Brianne Kane,
Scientific American,
12 June 2026
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After placing the small metal mechanism against the basket, ultrasound soundwaves shake the container strongly enough to pass along the vibrations through both the coffee grounds and water.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
11 June 2026
Noun
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If those targets hold up in service, the aircraft could help airlines lower operating costs and reduce emissions without requiring major changes to airport infrastructure.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
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The state also plans to spend $55 million to hire 450 new employees at the Department of Human Services, including to help update the state's systems to comply with federal changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility.—
Ben Szalinski,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillations. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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