Synonyms of undulate

undulate

verb

as in to oscillate

formal to move or be shaped like waves

undulating hills

an undulating surface

Synonyms & Similar Words

• oscillate
• fluctuate
• wave
• flutter
• vibrate
• shake
• flicker
• convulse
• quiver
• shudder
• sway
• jiggle
• agitate
• wobble
• tremble
• wabble
• 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

That’s about to change with the establishment of the Pocket Peak AVA—a wine-growing region within the valley defined by its steep, undulating hills and volcanic and gravelly loam soils—expected in fall 2025. —Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Dec. 2024

Kuma designed a 100-meter-long canopy with an undulating ceramic roof, inspired by traditional Japanese architecture. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

At the sight of the beautiful low-angle glade covered in undulating powder, the Rogers duo looked equally excited and apprehensive. —David Goodman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025

Sheets of undulating snow led into gently lapping Arctic waves. —Akash Kapur, Travel + Leisure, 24 Feb. 2025

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