undulate

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

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 undulate However, in both cases, their undulating branches were capable of growing up to 15 inches long. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Sep. 2025 Advertisement Black Americans understood that the struggle for freedom could be long and undulating. Time, 12 Sep. 2025 The undulating building features exhibition spaces, a library, a museum, and concert venues where a rotating program of art exhibitions, performances, conferences, and workshops showcase Azeri history and contemporary culture, both local and international. Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 9 Sep. 2025 Excavating wetlands, as various studies have suggested, would yield soil that could be mounded into sound-blocking berms, as at Brooklyn Bridge Park; lookouts, as on Governors Island; and undulating grasslands like those at Freshkills. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undulate
Verb
  • Over the past three years, his sound has oscillated between folk and rock.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Merokeety Fall Oversized Batwing Lounge Set Fall temperatures are notoriously unpredictable, oscillating between hot and cold, so a sweatshirt-and-shorts duo like this set from Merokeety will prepare for both climates.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But as life has gotten busier, and food prices have fluctuated, an increasing number of cooks are embracing the true value of outsourcing the main event.
    Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Fall weather can fluctuate wildly from frosty mornings to warm autumn days that are perfect for apple picking and getting late-season gardening tasks done.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025
  • After the victory, the players spotted Sister Jean in the stands and waved for a socially distanced celebration with her.
    Shannon Ryan, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And perhaps strangest of all, an indoor flagpole that will flutter in a direction corresponding to the wind outside.
    Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Longer pieces reached the tops of her cheekbones, fluttering out like wings.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The area put on a display of yellow aspen trees dotting the mountains between evergreens, their delicate leaves vibrating in the wind.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • This whole fictional world vibrates on Robinson’s bizarre frequency, which means Ron may just be onto something.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With the final seconds ticking away and the Chiefs’ 30-17 triumph over the Detroit Lions sealed, KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes was looking to shake the hand of Lions safety Brian Branch.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Because the building was shaking.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The deep green glass vessel, etched with vertical lines reminiscent of towering tree trunks, shifts from khaki to warm browns and golden yellows as the flame flickers, casting a hypnotic glow that’s as enchanting as its aroma.
    Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Guests at The Borland House Bed & Breakfast in Montgomery have reported footsteps, flickering TVs, and shadowy figures while staying at the 1780s home.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some skimming of the froth would not be unhealthy, though the question is whether the market got wound tightly enough that a hiccup in the high-momentum groups convulses the rest of the market too.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The new information suggested at least modest progress in an investigation into a killing that law enforcement was treating as the latest instance of political violence to convulse the United States across the ideological spectrum.
    Jesse Bedayn, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Undulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undulate. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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