UNDULATING Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

undulating 1 of 2

adjective

as in undulant

rising and falling in a wavelike pattern The undulating terrain was difficult to traverse on foot.

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Dissimilar Words

undulating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of undulate

as in fluctuating

formal to move or be shaped like waves undulating hills an undulating surface

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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 undulating

Verb

Real manta rays propel themselves by rhythmically flapping and undulating their enormous pectoral fins. — New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2026 The pinkish squid glided two miles beneath the surface, its long, pale legs trailing from undulating fins, stunning scientists who know remarkably little about its diet, behavior or reproduction. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 This pretty hamlet sits right on the Connecticut river in the foothills of the Green Mountains, so expect undulating blankets of colorful foliage in every direction. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 An avant-garde pick, the Olivera floor lamp from Lulu and Georgia boasts an undulating wicker frame. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026 Vietnam Nestled in Vietnam’s northern mountains, Sapa dazzles with emerald rice paddies dotted across undulating green hills. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026 An undulating white ceiling appears to float above bookshelves, reading areas and living trees. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 The undulating synth lead seems tailored to mimic the tone and timbre of a classical Indian singer, a comparison borne out by the occasional flashes of vocal sample peeking through the mix. — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 July 2026 These waves can cause undulating cloud patterns, as well as turbulence. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for undulating

Adjective

But in his own drawing, De Kooning let rip with liner brushes, swishing them about all over the paper, achieving undulant lines that contract and expand like living creatures.

— Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026
Our drills included hours of seamlessly merging poetry with three chords, providing me with an undulant field to riff on.

— Patti Smith, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2025

Definition of undulant

Verb

Transit technology must be built to accommodate these day-to-day scenarios while handling fluctuating demand, changing government policies and emerging industry trends.

— Miroslav Katsarov, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
However, expectations have been volatile and highly dependent on data as well as fluctuating energy prices, making the stakes for Friday’s release even higher.

— Jeff Cox, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of fluctuating

Adjective

Most are copper in color with a wavy pattern against a light background, often described as a sideways hourglass.

— Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 21 Sep. 2026
Gomez was also feeling the center part the day prior, when she was snapped in Tribeca with a full, wavy bombshell blowout, again descending from a center part.

— Kara Nesvig, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of wavy

Verb

Oil prices have been on a rollercoaster this year, oscillating as traders react to flare-ups in fighting and monitor oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Instead of oscillating between performance and people, leaders can learn to integrate these two seemingly opposing forces into a single approach to transformational leadership.

— Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of oscillating

Adjective

North Carolina’s High Country is best known for its rolling Blue Ridge landscapes, crisp mountain air, and small towns that ooze charm, especially when autumn rolls around.

— Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
No-fee overdraft protection Overdraft coverage is automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in eligible direct deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis.

— Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of rolling

Verb

The dress included a long train, which trailed the actress on the arrival carpet, and was further augmented by a shoulder ornament of fabric that transitioned from fluttering waves to delicate tassels.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Tribute upon floral tribute—their petals, leaves, and memorial cards fluttering in the gentle breeze.

— Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of fluttering

Adjective

The lightweight cream disguises dark circles, redness, blemishes, and uneven tone, melting in seamlessly enough to blend across larger areas in place of foundation.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026
This uneven wear on the underbelly of a sneaker is a big no-no — prompting wearers to rotate out their running shoes at rapid rates.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of uneven

Verb

Riot was seen looking up at the stage and waving back at his dad while Rihanna filmed the interaction.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Groups of screaming preschoolers pass by us in the park, fists clutched tight onto their walking ropes, chubby hands waving hello or pointing to squirrels scampering in their path.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of waving

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“Undulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undulating. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of undulating

adjective

verb

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