Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vibrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vibrate are fluctuate, oscillate, sway, swing, undulate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

When might fluctuate be a better fit than vibrate?

The words fluctuate and vibrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

In what contexts can oscillate take the place of vibrate?

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

an oscillating fan

When is it sensible to use sway instead of vibrate?

The synonyms sway and vibrate are sometimes interchangeable, but sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can swing be used instead of vibrate?

The meanings of swing and vibrate largely overlap; however, swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When is undulate a more appropriate choice than vibrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to vibrate, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When would waver be a good substitute for vibrate?

While the synonyms waver and vibrate are close in meaning, 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 vibrate But, to my delight, there was a vibrating nub in the center of the silicone petals. Amanda Chatel, Glamour, 26 Feb. 2025 Praise God … my entire body is vibrating with joy right now. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 10 Mar. 2025 The room looked like an airport lounge — gleaming white tables with copies of Foreign Policy, an inaudible conference livestream — and vibrated with the energy of journalists from around the world begging to get inside. Caitlin L. Chandler, The Dial, 6 Mar. 2025 Seated in the audience, vibrating with anxiety, was her husband. Hannah-Rose Yee, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vibrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vibrate
Verb
  • In the past, Boston has been able to shake off adversity and remain successful.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • New tariffs take effect this week upending global alliances, shaking business and consumer confidence, and rattling the markets.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • While there are a slew of ways to pleasure yourself depending on these three factors, there are some basic tips that can be a helpful starting point, like how to finger yourself and how to jerk off.
    Quispe López, Them, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Avoid jerking the valve or forcing it to turn, as this could cause the valve to break off.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Workout partners on the opposite side of the heavy bag shuddered and held on for dear life as Foreman slammed into it with his gloved fists.
    Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Oliveira’s films shudder with the mighty currents of history, whether long-ago conflicts that leave their traces in cities or ones, in Portugal or elsewhere, that leave their marks in living memory.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As gold flirts with all-time highs again, headlines are quick to shout what many family offices already know: when the world trembles, gold glitters.
    Francois Botha, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • An anxiety disorder may come with symptoms such as excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, or in some cases sweating, trembling, chest pain, and nausea.
    Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Shot in quivering close-ups, this coming-of-age film follows a reticent teenager from a religious household, and her all-girl choir’s trip to a convent.
    Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Rather than the steady, slow flow scientists expected, the ice quivered with tiny seismic disturbances.
    Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vibrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vibrate. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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