as in undulant
rising and falling in a wavelike pattern
The undulating terrain was difficult to traverse on foot.
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as in fluctuating
formal
to move or be shaped like waves
undulating hills an undulating surface
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of undulating
Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
The minimally landscaped areas immediately around the house quickly give way to the arid landscape, the spiny shrubs and Joshua trees interspersed with several sculptures set against the undulating shadow lines of the distant mountains.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
Klum selected the pumps to accompany a black dress with an undulating design.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
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
Advertisement Black Americans understood that the struggle for freedom could be long and undulating.
—Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Saft’s bed, with a gently undulating headboard, was in one corner, his daughter’s tucked into a nook behind the kitchen.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
The minimally landscaped areas immediately around the house quickly give way to the arid landscape, the spiny shrubs and Joshua trees interspersed with several sculptures set against the undulating shadow lines of the distant mountains.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
Klum selected the pumps to accompany a black dress with an undulating design.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
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
Advertisement Black Americans understood that the struggle for freedom could be long and undulating.
—Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for undulating
Adjective
-
As the undulant hills beyond the valley turned blue in front of me, a cat sauntered onto the veranda and wound its tail around my ankles.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
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Across its emerald landscape there is an undulant sea of simple white religious symbols that mark the final resting place of those who served their country with honor and gallantry and an impressive blend of quiet patriotism.—
Thomas Farragher,
BostonGlobe.com,
26 May 2023
Verb
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The home is constructed with Nordic wood, which not only is lightweight and easy to work with, but also resistant to weathering and decay from rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and fungus—a must in the fluctuating Southern climates.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
15 Oct. 2025
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As traders try to assess whether the trade spat will escalate, stocks are fluctuating and pausing their months-long ascent.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Space Heater, $47 in cart The oscillating feature on this Lasko heater helps disperse warmth evenly throughout small- or medium-sized rooms.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
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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
Adjective
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This is also fantastic with wavy potato chips and pretzel sticks.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Stewart stepped out with choppy baby bangs and wavy, shoulder-length hair in her natural shade of brunette that harkens back to her Twilight days.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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On my most recent visit—December 2024—the foliage was just past its peak, with some bare trees and lots of fluttering yellow leaves.—
Taryn Shorr-Mckee,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
-
The fastest way to a stressful hosting experience is by micro-managing and trying to do everything yourself, from setting out food and drink to cleaning up to fluttering around to ensure nothing is going wrong.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Wrap the crust around the rolling pin, then unroll into a 9-inch pie plate.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-high.—
Kathryn Gregory,
Louisville Courier Journal,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Okafor’s fitness record has been punctuated with absences for years, and his availability was the main red flag waving over his signature in August.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
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Cars streamed past on both sides, honking and waving in solidarity.—
Emma Hall,
Sacbee.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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After Florida State and Clemson fought for an uneven share of ACC revenue, a Georgia Tech versus Virginia championship game just feels right.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
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Southern live oaks draped in Spanish moss that tower and twist over city squares, Neoclassical Antebellum architecture, gas lamps that flicker over uneven cobblestone paths, and a humid subtropical climate that hangs heavy in the air.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Undulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/undulating. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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