1
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
a fluctuating stock market makes it hard for investors to know what to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in changing
not staying constant
our speed was constantly fluctuating, so the figure of 50 miles per hour is just an average
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in varying
to pass from one form, state, or level to another
temperatures will fluctuate between the low and high 50s today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fluctuating
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Oct. 2025
Many rival fans have had a good laugh at Tottenham and their wildly fluctuating results this season.
—Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
The same amount of water per unit time can arrive as a smooth, steady rain of many small drops or as a strongly fluctuating shower with fewer but much larger drops.
—Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024
Irwin said that the characters’ runaway emotions are mirrored by the wildly fluctuating time signatures.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2024
Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Supporters say rising vehicle costs, fluctuating pay and opaque app algorithms have fueled frustration among drivers who often work long hours while paying for gas, insurance, maintenance and vehicle wear-and-tear themselves.
—Leah Willingham, Fortune, 26 May 2026
Form has been wildly fluctuating and has led to some infuriating, passive displays.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Nazar’s confidence remained despite the fluctuating production.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
Additionally, fluctuating Section 232 tariff costs threaten to squeeze importing margins.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 18 May 2026
These bottlenecks slow decision-making in a crisis, when every second counts to maintain supply continuity and manage fluctuating costs.
—Alex Saric, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Perimenopause, the transitional stage preceding menopause, is marked by biological changes and fluctuating levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
Speaking to the press before departing the White House for a visit to China, the president defended the fluctuating cost of the ballroom project.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 12 May 2026
Adjective
Don’t Leave Pumpkins to Extreme Elements Pumpkins prefer consistency, so fluctuating temperatures—such as freezing nights followed by warm, sunny days—can weaken them.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Oct. 2025
Many rival fans have had a good laugh at Tottenham and their wildly fluctuating results this season.
—Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
The same amount of water per unit time can arrive as a smooth, steady rain of many small drops or as a strongly fluctuating shower with fewer but much larger drops.
—Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024
Irwin said that the characters’ runaway emotions are mirrored by the wildly fluctuating time signatures.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2024
Verb
Automation fears shadow labor fight Supporters say rising vehicle costs, fluctuating pay and opaque app algorithms have fueled frustration among drivers who often work long hours while paying for gas, insurance, maintenance and vehicle wear-and-tear themselves.
—Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Supporters say rising vehicle costs, fluctuating pay and opaque app algorithms have fueled frustration among drivers who often work long hours while paying for gas, insurance, maintenance and vehicle wear-and-tear themselves.
—Leah Willingham, Fortune, 26 May 2026
Form has been wildly fluctuating and has led to some infuriating, passive displays.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Nazar’s confidence remained despite the fluctuating production.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
Additionally, fluctuating Section 232 tariff costs threaten to squeeze importing margins.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 18 May 2026
These bottlenecks slow decision-making in a crisis, when every second counts to maintain supply continuity and manage fluctuating costs.
—Alex Saric, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Perimenopause, the transitional stage preceding menopause, is marked by biological changes and fluctuating levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
Speaking to the press before departing the White House for a visit to China, the president defended the fluctuating cost of the ballroom project.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 12 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluctuating
Adjective
-
Days after mass evacuations were ordered in Orange County, the next few hours could be crucial in dealing with a volatile chemical tank at a Garden Grove aerospace company that has threatened to either explode or cause a major spill.—
Deborah Netburn,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2026
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Cultivating this deliberate leadership quality is essential for career progression and resilience in volatile times.—
Cynthia Pong,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
Adjective
-
In some studies, gloves not changed between tasks had higher bacterial counts and could transfer germs just as easily as ungloved hands, underscoring the need for frequent changing and proper hand hygiene.—
Evan Moore
December 19,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Dressed in wide-legged jeans and a dark blazer, Justice walked the audience through XPRIZE competitors’ varying approaches to longevity.—
Sarah Todd,
STAT,
29 May 2026
-
In both races, candidates have, to varying degrees, been courting the ever-elusive Latino vote.—
Carlos De Loera,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Approval timelines were unpredictable, administrative requirements had accumulated around projects that technically complied with zoning, and developers could not move forward with confidence.—
Christina Mojica,
Oc Register,
26 May 2026
-
One of its key findings was that crisis intervention, requiring rapid judgment in high-stakes, unpredictable situations, ranked among the most difficult skills for AI systems to replicate.—
Ulrich Boser,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Drafty rooms, open windows, ceiling fans, and uneven surfaces can disrupt the flame, causing uneven melting, excessive soot, or wax that burns faster on one side than the other.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
-
This noncomodegenic and fragrance-free serum foundation helps smooth redness and uneven skin texture.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
This announcement comes as many e-commerce companies are shifting their business models to AI to reduce costs by automating many roles.—
Lily Wright,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
Armed with an adventure kit, participants are summoned to a secret location where they’re tasked with deciphering cryptic codes, uncovering hidden symbols, navigating shifting alliances and outwit enemies and operatives stationed around the campus.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Rigorous, blustery winter; winding sleety spring; hot, moist enervating summer; changeful autumn with its dog-days; these are absolutely unknown.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Jan. 2023
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Hers is the kind of face that inspires directors to tight framing — gleaming, as if smoothed from marble, and yet somehow pliant, changeful.—
Jordan Kisner Jack Davison,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2022
Adjective
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Because the chemicals and the tank were deemed unstable, responders couldn't immediately access all the areas of the facility to search for additional victims, officials said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
So we are used to operating in a very unstable context.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluctuating. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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