Thesaurus results for OSCILLATE

Q: How does the verb 'oscillate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of oscillate are fluctuate , sway , swing , undulate , vibrate , and waver . While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction. // an oscillating fan

Q: Where would 'fluctuate' be a reasonable alternative to 'oscillate'?

While the synonyms fluctuate and oscillate are close in meaning, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value. // fluctuating interest rates

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sway' instead of 'oscillate'?

The words sway and oscillate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement. // trees swaying in the breeze

Q: When is 'swing' a more appropriate choice than 'oscillate'?

The synonyms swing and oscillate are sometimes interchangeable, but swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side. // the door suddenly swung open

Q: In what contexts can 'undulate' take the place of 'oscillate'?

The meanings of undulate and oscillate largely overlap; however, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion. // an undulating sea of grass

Q: When would 'vibrate' be a good substitute for 'oscillate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to oscillate , vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact. // the vibrating strings of a piano

Q: When could 'waver' be used to replace 'oscillate'?

Although the words waver and oscillate have much in common, waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering. // the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

oscillate

verb

Definition of oscillate next

as in to fluctuate

to move back and forth in a rhythmic manner When a guitar string is plucked, it oscillates to produce sound waves in the air.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to alternate

to continuously change from one belief, feeling, or condition to an opposite one The model's hair color oscillates between bleach blond and jet black.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb oscillate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of oscillate are fluctuate, sway, swing, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

Where would fluctuate be a reasonable alternative to oscillate?

While the synonyms fluctuate and oscillate are close in meaning, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When is it sensible to use sway instead of oscillate?

The words sway and oscillate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When is swing a more appropriate choice than oscillate?

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

the door suddenly swung open

In what contexts can undulate take the place of oscillate?

The meanings of undulate and oscillate largely overlap; however, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When would vibrate be a good substitute for oscillate?

While in some cases nearly identical to oscillate, 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 oscillate?

Although the words waver and oscillate have much in common, 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 oscillate The mood at the morning prayer service oscillated between grief and determination. —

Deon J. Hampton, NBC News, 4 Jan. 2025 Since then, he’s oscillated nimbly between the big and small screens, with roles in films like Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight (2015), Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), and series like CBS’s The Unicorn (2019–2021) and Amazon’s Fallout (2024). —

Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 Jan. 2025 The radiant orange carnelian dial, octagonal case edges, and custom 18k yellow gold oscillating mass reflect the Maison’s dedication to craftsmanship and individuality. —

Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 This is a shift from the spinning, oscillating mops that have been popular for the last few years. —

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for oscillate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillate

Verb

His strikeout rate has fluctuated over the years, and 2024 marked a significant improvement in his walk rate.

— Tim Britton, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
The details on that project are fluctuating, not surprising given the state of the office real estate market.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 12 Feb. 2025