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

Cape Ann’s distinctive, undulant geography combined pungent industry and village intensity with Atlantic immensity of sea and sky.

— Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 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

Their failure to receive one may be attributed to their having vague symptoms, such as a general feeling of malaise, weakness, or fluctuating muscle pain.

— Jerome Groopman, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026
Studying the effects of this fluctuating luminescence on interpreting gesture may tell us whether speech has significant benefits around an evening campfire.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of fluctuating

Adjective

The island’s central main living area, moved closer to the beach, now has a long, wavy bar at its heart, which opens onto indoor and courtyard dining spaces.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
Stuffing Flavored Wavy Potato Chips Good & Gather is also pairing its stuffing seasoning with the brand’s classic wavy potato chips (the ridges help trap all the seasoning, of course).

— Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of wavy

Adjective

This, though, was a match to fire the imagination — a rolling, shape-shifting battle that will take some living up to in the months ahead.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Take a breather by the beach, where days are made for lingering on golden sands, discovering hidden coves, and relaxing to the tune of the rolling Mediterranean tide.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of rolling

Adjective

Heat and uneven rainfall have stressed forests in some areas, while timely moisture has kept others lush.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Waterproof formula—but doesn’t feel like a typical waterproof foundation, which can feel heavy and settle into uneven texture.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of uneven

Verb

After the first quarter everyone is waving to the Children’s Hospital that’s next to the stadium and the kids watching the game from their windows are waving back.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
The garrison’s enormous flag was waving on its flagpole, some 90 feet high—a clear signal that the American fort had survived the Battle of Baltimore.

— Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 11, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of waving

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undulates

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“Undulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undulating. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of undulating

adjective

verb

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