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

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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 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 Outside the lab Wideband oscillations have previously been linked to major disruptions in power systems. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 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 Scientists do not yet know exactly what causes the oscillations. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillations
Noun
  • Inside these security devices, unpredictable thermal fluctuations within tiny magnetic switches generate the crucial numbers.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Swaps can mitigate financial risks, including fluctuations in commodity prices.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In an April 30 lawsuit, the residents alleged their homes had sustained unspecified damages from the acoustic vibrations associated with Starship launches.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Haptics are the responsive vibrations in devices that give the feel of touch.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • If De Soto decides to adopt a new noise ordinance as the city looks to determine whether the current rules adequately addresses industrial noise, Digital Realty would have to adhere to any changes, city attorney Reavey said.
    — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Doctors may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, breathing devices, medications, and sometimes surgery.
    — Lindsay Curtis, HEALTH, 27 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Oscillations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillations. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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