1
as in fluctuating
to move back and forth in a rhythmic manner When a guitar string is plucked, it oscillates to produce sound waves in the air.
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2
as in alternating
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.
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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 oscillating One of these experiment models, ABRACADABRA, employs high-sensitivity radio to capture the faint hum of axion’s oscillating magnetic fields thanks to the close cooperation of UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. —
Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026 Sometimes, men were overwhelmed, and many opened up to the possibility of feminism, doubled down, then opened up again, oscillating wildly between solidarity and oppression. —Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026 The best way to grab the oscillating tool and a high-output battery at a steep discount. —Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026 Vibration types Most vibration platform machines use either tri-planar or oscillating vibration. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 Tyran Stokes, hailed as the top prospect in the high school class of 2026, has bounced up and down the West Coast, attending three different high schools in four years, while fans on Reddit scrutinize his performance and national media agonize over his oscillating college decision. —Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026 Service, on my visits, was a bit spacey, but it’s been tightening up; the tone of the place seems to be in progress, too, oscillating between that of a neighborhood joint, an amorous date-night nook, and a sceney hot spot. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026 Pedretti, meanwhile, commits fully to her bimbo persona, oscillating between titillating absurdism and unexpected discomfort. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026 Cyrus herself has worn both hair colors many, many times in the past, oscillating from a bleach-blonde platinum crop in her Bangerz days to a Debbie Harry-esque halo to warm brunette. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Mar. 2026
Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026 Sometimes, men were overwhelmed, and many opened up to the possibility of feminism, doubled down, then opened up again, oscillating wildly between solidarity and oppression. —Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026 The best way to grab the oscillating tool and a high-output battery at a steep discount. —Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026 Vibration types Most vibration platform machines use either tri-planar or oscillating vibration. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 Tyran Stokes, hailed as the top prospect in the high school class of 2026, has bounced up and down the West Coast, attending three different high schools in four years, while fans on Reddit scrutinize his performance and national media agonize over his oscillating college decision. —Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026 Service, on my visits, was a bit spacey, but it’s been tightening up; the tone of the place seems to be in progress, too, oscillating between that of a neighborhood joint, an amorous date-night nook, and a sceney hot spot. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026 Pedretti, meanwhile, commits fully to her bimbo persona, oscillating between titillating absurdism and unexpected discomfort. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026 Cyrus herself has worn both hair colors many, many times in the past, oscillating from a bleach-blonde platinum crop in her Bangerz days to a Debbie Harry-esque halo to warm brunette. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillating
Verb
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The plant, which was the state’s largest maker of panelized components, struggled under the weight of reduced demand because of higher interest rates and fluctuating lumber costs.— Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
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Applying mulch offers several benefits, including retaining soil moisture, reducing soil erosion, insulating roots from fluctuating soil temperatures, and suppressing weeds.— Lauren David, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Sam’s silhouette is backlit by alternating reds and blues that evoke police lights (designed by Maximo Grano De Oro) while sound designer Satya Chávez contributes an eerie soundscape.— Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
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On a balcony, this looks like breaking up the lineup by alternating hanging planters with those on the ground.— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Structure information summary Most structures in this region are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist.— CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2026
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The starts were violent, ground-shaking and painfully loud.— Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Brown has been rolling with his two best players, Brunson and Towns, on the bench for a few games now, dating back into the regular season.— Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
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Our next good chance to see some rain comes on Wednesday morning with some passing rain showers rolling through right as the morning commute is really getting going.— Ron Smiley, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Adventist Health Arena was rocking as the anticipation for a Game 3 lingered.— Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
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Carpenter saved one of her boldest statements for the final stretch, rocking a sizzling, see-through black lace bodysuit that left little to the imagination.— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/oscillating. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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