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 Each of the three biographies—any good biography—vibrates with the intensity of its author’s possession by their subject and the thrill of exhumation, if only metaphoric. Megan Marshall september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025 Microneedling is a treatment that uses thin, vibrating needles to puncture your skin. Carley Millhone, Health, 9 Sep. 2025 As internal organs make sounds, the diaphragm begins to vibrate. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025 Resonance, which is to vibrate with, is the principle of all change. Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vibrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vibrate
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
  • Sounds like the plot of a tear-jerking movie, no?
    David Oliver, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Travis jerked open the door and slid on his butt down a wing that was on fire.
    Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Earth shuddered with yet another wave of extinctions in this initial chill.
    Peter Brannen, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Walking into Lincoln with a freshman quarterback and a fill-in head coach is the kind of situation that would make most teams shudder.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Westerners call them quakers, for the way the leaves tremble in the wind, but these had no leaves on them now.
    Robert Merchant, Outdoor Life, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The lesson isn’t that investors tremble when Fed chairs talk about stocks.
    Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The music of home often quivers with nostalgia.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
  • There’s a breathless mood in the air that quivers and quakes at the protests to come.
    Sara Stridsberg September 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vibrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vibrate. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vibrate

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