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 The occasional narrow alley led into the heart of the town, which seemed to vibrate with life. Karl Ove Knausgaard, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for vibrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vibrate
Verb
  • The tragedy shook the small Ohio town — and stunned viewers who remembered the Stockdale family's 2008 appearance on ABC's Wife Swap.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 21 June 2025
  • And beside them, Milford, Weymouth and St. John’s of Shrewsbury also shook off their sub-20 seeding to advance at least once in an all-time showing of parity.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Then, of course, there were the jerking motions and the cognitive decline.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 5 May 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Wednesday: Eve of the Outcasts: What starts off as a fun school carnival (shudder!) falls under Wednesday’s spell to make for a twisted tour through the macabre.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 June 2025
  • Both John and Jerry are fathers trying to mold their sons in their own images in the face of an unrecognizable country, but neither of their struggles is meaningfully explored in the span of a 96-minute film that doesn’t have time to do anything but shudder at these men’s shared helplessness.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • As Sofia unfolded the pages during her graduation celebration, her voice trembled.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • Already nervous and trembling, Wood captures the terror and claustrophobia of having your head clamped in place and one eye pried open with a speculum.
    Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Those emotional generators are apparent on the title track, a minimal hymn of salvation wrapped in Springsteen’s quivering voice.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 24 June 2025
  • My son swayed gently between my legs, still wearing last night’s jammies, azure eyes trained on the flutist’s quivering embouchure.
    Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vibrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vibrate. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vibrate

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