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
The patterns of these oscillations are called modes, and the frequency of these modes is imprinted on the gravitational waves that the binary neutron stars radiate away.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 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
The microscope captured collective oscillations of superconducting electrons.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
There’s not much to quibble with in the market’s to-and-fro oscillations among sectors and themes so far.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 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
Certain kinds of atomic nuclei—including those of the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule—can be made to oscillate in a magnetic field, and these oscillations can be detected with coils of wire.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
These oscillations tend to vary through the course of the winter season, and locally have a greater effect on our weather at times.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 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
The microscope captured collective oscillations of superconducting electrons.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
There’s not much to quibble with in the market’s to-and-fro oscillations among sectors and themes so far.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Jan. 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
Certain kinds of atomic nuclei—including those of the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule—can be made to oscillate in a magnetic field, and these oscillations can be detected with coils of wire.
—David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2025
These oscillations tend to vary through the course of the winter season, and locally have a greater effect on our weather at times.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillations
Noun
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Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause, marked by fluctuations in the hormones estrogen and progesterone.—
Ann Juliano,
The Conversation,
24 Mar. 2026
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Only minor temperature fluctuations are expected Wednesday and Thursday along the coast and in the Central Valley as readings push toward monthly records.—
Anthony Edwards,
San Francisco Chronicle,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The test demonstrated that antimatter can be transported and, specifically, that the vibrations of the truck do not disturb the vacuum.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
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These vibrations resonate within the sinus cavities, stimulating the surrounding tissues and encouraging natural mucus drainage.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Congressional Progressive Caucus, which includes roughly 100 House Democrats, has formally opposed a reauthorization without changes to the program, marking its strongest stance yet against Section 702 and complicating the path forward for GOP leadership, according to the Hill.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Mar. 2026
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For example, there was no mandate that immigration officers wear identification or other changes the White House had floated earlier in talks, including a ban on immigration enforcement at schools, churches, hospitals and other sensitive places, the person said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillations. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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