Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vibrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vibrate are fluctuate, oscillate, sway, swing, undulate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

When might fluctuate be a better fit than vibrate?

The words fluctuate and vibrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

In what contexts can oscillate take the place of vibrate?

Although the words oscillate and vibrate have much in common, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

When is it sensible to use sway instead of vibrate?

The synonyms sway and vibrate are sometimes interchangeable, but sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can swing be used instead of vibrate?

The meanings of swing and vibrate largely overlap; however, swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When is undulate a more appropriate choice than vibrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to vibrate, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When would waver be a good substitute for vibrate?

While the synonyms waver and vibrate are close in meaning, 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 vibrate Imagine 750-horsepower wind machines kicking up debris and haptic signals vibrating the seats as the iconic twister lifts Dorothy’s house and deposits it next to the yellow-brick road. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025 This zoo of proposals all introduce new effects outside the horizon that should change how a vibrating black hole emits gravitational waves. Matt Von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 27 Aug. 2025 By studying Juno's measurements, Sulaiman and his team found that plasma density in Jupiter's polar environment is so low while the magnetic field is so strong, meaning the waves vibrate at unusually low frequencies. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2025 If a hard fall is detected, the watch vibrates, sounds an alarm, and gives the option to call emergency services. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vibrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vibrate
Verb
  • On back-to-back pass plays, though, Ward held the ball too long and couldn’t shake the Broncos’ pass rush, resulting in back-to-back sacks that took the Titans outside field goal range.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • After a while, the lady shook her head.
    Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The president starts out by making a visit to Liberty Arena to play basketball with some school children, then gets jerked away when the crisis happens.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
  • If Hall jerked too violently, let alone tried to run, the wire would pull the trigger, firing the shotgun Kiritsis had pointed at the back of Hall’s head.
    Katie Rife, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The White House will be well aware of this fact, particularly in an environment where fiscally conservative Republicans will be shuddering at Uncle Sam’s $37 trillion (and growing) national debt.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025
  • For much of last season, Atletico appeared set to seriously compete on all fronts, but their season shuddered to a stop in March with a series of disappointing defeats by Barcelona and Madrid across La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In the elevator of the Associated Press Building at Rockefeller Plaza, Sunny’s brows trembled.
    Kiran Desai, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
  • But then the cheers from his fans would begin, and Hogan would tremble with energy.
    John DeVore, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The Cabinet is a quivering collection of yea-sayers.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Hamill delivers this monologue with real passion, his raspy voice quivering with sincerity.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vibrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vibrate. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vibrate

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