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 With an electropop base, an irresistible electric bass groove and enveloping harmonies, the song vibrates between what was and what will no longer be. Luisa Calle, Billboard, 23 May 2025 The soundtrack is a buffet of rapturous period jazz, some of it silky, some of it vibrating with skittery energy, much like Martial Solal’s score for Breathless itself. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 May 2025 At Sequoia Capital’s recent AI Ascent 2025 conference, the atmosphere vibrated with a mix of excitement and urgency that is typical for transformative technological moments. Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Today, 2,000 years after the Romans established viticulture there, Rioja vibrates with new life: Innovation has sprung like vibrant budbursts on a sturdy, seasoned vine. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vibrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vibrate
Verb
  • Carnal, with care – Jis shook the bedrock of the cordial, conservative Guadalajara community with filth, camp and candor.
    Holly Jones, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • Getty Images The European startup scene was recently shaken by a LinkedIn debate with some venture capitalists applying pressure on founders to embrace a culture of overwork to compete on a global stage.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • More often than not, the jerking movements to get free only bring the meal into contact with more points of sticky contact.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2025
  • Then stage two involves jerking movement, spasms, loss of vision, dementia, and seizures.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • That was after the pandemic lockdown brought concerts — and much of the world — shuddering to a halt in 2020 and much of 2021 (and before the COVID resurgence that followed).
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
  • Trump’s early-morning social-media missive caused markets to shudder.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Nearby on the floor, O'Hara trembles and begs for her life.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 1 June 2025
  • More recently, Trump announced 50% tariffs on goods from the European Union last Friday, sending investors trembling during the long holiday weekend, before walking back on the decision Sunday evening.
    Lee Ying Shan,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • There’s quivering and shoving, growling and purring.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The journalist raised her hand, and her voice quivered in seeming alarm as the 6.2-magnitude quake shook Istanbul shortly before 1 p.m. local time on Wednesday, April 23.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vibrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vibrate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vibrate

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