Synonyms of undulate

undulate

verb

as in to oscillate

formal to move or be shaped like waves

undulating hills

an undulating surface

Related Words

• oscillate
• fluctuate
• wave
• flutter
• vibrate
• shake
• flicker
• convulse
• quiver
• shudder
• sway
• jiggle
• agitate
• wobble
• tremble
• bucket
• jerk
• quake
• jolt
• shiver
• swing
• rock
• jounce
• joggle
• judder
• beat
• chatter
• thrill
• pulsate
• twitch
• quaver
• waver
• throb
• palpitate
• pulse
• dodder
• pit-a-pat
• pitter-patter

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb undulate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of undulate are fluctuate, oscillate, sway, swing, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When is fluctuate a more appropriate choice than undulate?

While in some cases nearly identical to undulate, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

Where would oscillate be a reasonable alternative to undulate?

The words oscillate and undulate can be used in similar contexts, but oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

When can sway be used instead of undulate?

While the synonyms sway and undulate are close in meaning, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When might swing be a better fit than undulate?

Although the words swing and undulate have much in common, swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When would vibrate be a good substitute for undulate?

The meanings of vibrate and undulate largely overlap; however, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

When is it sensible to use waver instead of undulate?

In some situations, the words waver and undulate are roughly equivalent. However, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of undulate

Even aging bananas will look elegant in this undulating fruit bowl. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025

Throughout the song’s undulating, fluid melodies, Kali and Mariah trade verses about the importance of loyalty in love, all while maintaining their own otherworldly vocals in the process. —Stephen Daw, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025

October 2022 found areas of the Anza-Borrego Desert painted with thick bunches of yellow goldeneye flowers, carpets of yellow chinchweed and clusters of purple sand verbena sweeping over undulating sand dunes along Highway S-22 heading toward Salton Sea. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025

However, in both cases, their undulating branches were capable of growing up to 15 inches long. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Sep. 2025

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