as in to vary
to pass from one form, state, or level to another temperatures will fluctuate between the low and high 50s today

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb fluctuate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fluctuate are oscillate, sway, swing, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When would oscillate be a good substitute for fluctuate?

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

an oscillating fan

Where would sway be a reasonable alternative to fluctuate?

While in some cases nearly identical to fluctuate, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can swing be used instead of fluctuate?

The synonyms swing and fluctuate are sometimes interchangeable, but swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When is it sensible to use undulate instead of fluctuate?

In some situations, the words undulate and fluctuate are roughly equivalent. However, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When might vibrate be a better fit than fluctuate?

While the synonyms vibrate and fluctuate are close in meaning, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

When could waver be used to replace fluctuate?

The words waver and fluctuate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 fluctuate Mortgage rates closely follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which has been fluctuating due to investor sentiment and economic performance. Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 Jordan Romano, whose fluctuating fastball velocity perplexed everyone, fired some 96 mph heaters in a clean frame. Matt Gelb, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 In China, markets fluctuated as investors responded to the White House clarifying that the level of tariffs on Chinese goods is now 145% -- not 125% as previously believed. David Brennan, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025 Even if these substances continue to be exempt, there’s no saying that the price couldn’t fluctuate due to other factors. Lindy Segal, Glamour, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluctuate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluctuate
Verb
  • While most modern employees feel a general sense of security going to work, their experience varies across industries and workplaces.
    Elissa Rossi, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Most teams have carried around 120 players, but that number varies, ranging from as little as 110 to as high as 140 in some instances.
    Sam Khan Jr., New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Howard plays himself as a tyrannical auteur who petulantly refuses to cut a vacuous scene from his overlong thriller, warding off pleas only to change his mind at the moment of truth.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The 20-course omakase will change seasonally and feature ingredients that Toshi forages locally.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Focus will now shift to international reporting requirements, most notably the European Union’s impact on U.S. businesses, and states like California and Colorado that are considering their own reporting mandates.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • New York New York shifted toward Trump last year, but 61 percent of residents still disapprove of him as of March 27.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fluctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluctuate. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fluctuate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!