oscillate

verb

os·​cil·​late ˈä-sə-ˌlāt How to pronounce oscillate (audio)
oscillated; oscillating

intransitive verb

1
a
: to swing backward and forward like a pendulum
The fan was oscillating.
b
: to move or travel back and forth between two points
he oscillates regularly between his comfortable home … and his downtown office-laboratoryGladwin Hill
2
: to vary between opposing beliefs, feelings, or theories
The mood of the voters has oscillated between optimism and pessimism.
3
: to vary above and below a mean value
Bank rate oscillates between 2 and 6 percent.
oscillatory adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for oscillate

swing, sway, oscillate, vibrate, fluctuate, waver, undulate mean to move from one direction to its opposite.

swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

Examples of oscillate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Many people oscillate between strict boundaries and permissive accommodation, hoping to find the right balance. Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 Though the eyes tend to stay stationary during non-REM sleep, the pupils oscillate between small and large diameters, reflecting the different substages and depths of slumber throughout the non-REM phase. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 1 Jan. 2025 And, just in case that’s not enough, even the oscillating weight is decked in diamonds. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 19 Dec. 2024 The movement holder is finished with Côtes de Genève and the caliber has a lovely, pearled surface, in perfect harmony with the other components like the oscillating weight, jeweled pivot points and other fine workings. Fairchild Studio, WWD, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oscillate 

Word History

Etymology

Latin oscillatus, past participle of oscillare to swing, from oscillum swing

First Known Use

1726, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of oscillate was in 1726

Dictionary Entries Near oscillate

Cite this Entry

“Oscillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oscillate. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

oscillate

verb
os·​cil·​late ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt How to pronounce oscillate (audio)
oscillated; oscillating
1
a
: to swing backward and forward like a pendulum
b
: to move or travel back and forth between two points
2
: to have trouble deciding between opposing beliefs, feelings, or ideas
oscillatory adjective

Medical Definition

oscillate

intransitive verb
os·​cil·​late ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt How to pronounce oscillate (audio)
oscillated; oscillating
1
: to swing backward and forward like a pendulum
2
: to move or travel back and forth between two points
oscillatory adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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