Synonyms of oscillate

oscillate

verb

1

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

• fluctuate
• undulate
• shake
• pitch
• roll
• flicker
• rock
• swing
• sway
• vibrate
• wag
• lurch
• careen
• waggle
• wobble
• flutter
• toss
• wabble
• vacillate
• seesaw
• stagger
• waver
• falter
• halt
• totter
• weave
• reel
• jolt
• tumble
• toddle
• stumble
• waddle
• flounder
• jerk
• hobble
• buck
• blunder
• hitch
• teeter
• dodder

2

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

• alternate
• swing
• fluctuate
• sway
• balance
• vacillate
• flip-flop
• waver
• seesaw
• haw
• hesitate
• yo-yo
• stagger
• falter
• hem
• dither
• halt
• hang back
• wabble
• wobble
• weigh
• ponder
• teeter
• scruple
• deliberate
• debate
• consider
• equivocate
• shilly-shally
• hedge
• waffle
• pussyfoot

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

Recent Examples of oscillate

This one falls in the medium-firm category for support with just enough give to keep me comfortable, and as a person who oscillates between being too hot and too cold, the temperature regulation from season to season helps a lot. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2025

Mamdani facilitated this energy, working the line, oscillating between rousing effusions on the cost of living and flashing a goofy, impish grin. —Paula Aceves, Curbed, 8 Mar. 2025

Researchers around the world spotted an unusual oscillating sine wave sketched across seismographs. —Darren Orf, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025

There’s no dialogue, and the shots are often fixed at odd angles (except for one scene that rather horrifyingly uses an oscillating security camera in a parking lot) — all of which only manages to heighten the darkness of the physical comedy. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025