Thesaurus results for OSCILLATES

oscillates

verb

present tense third-person singular of oscillate

as in fluctuates

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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as in alternates

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 oscillates This is a market that oscillates between wanting everything artificial intelligence infrastructure and wanting unrelated ideas, like drugmakers, health insurers and banks. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 23 July 2026 The fan delivers powerful whole-room airflow that reaches up to 23 feet and oscillates 90 degrees to distribute cool air more evenly throughout the space. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 According to Bodine, public discourse around artificial intelligence often oscillates between unchecked optimism and outright resistance, leaving little room for more measured conversations about responsible implementation. — William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2026 Like the albums themselves, the experience constantly oscillates between dread and beauty, alienation and intimacy. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 12 May 2026 The fan also oscillates at a 70-degree angle and can cover a large portion of the room, distributing cool air throughout. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026 According to SnowBrains, Lake Tahoe is now sitting well above its typical winter level, a development water managers view as encouraging in a region that frequently oscillates between drought and downpours. — Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026 Nett isn’t exactly known for lyrical acumen, but his punch-in-and-trail-off delivery stands out on an album that oscillates unevenly between party highlight reel and war story. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026 Wall Street often oscillates between hope and fear, euphoria and despair. — Zachary Karabell, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillates

Verb

The number of protesters fluctuates, with certain days attracting larger crowds.

— David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
This movement from the moon causes Earth’s rotation to slow — but our planet’s rotation also fluctuates unpredictably from year to year.

— Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of fluctuates

Verb

Kate Middleton is rumored to wear the brand’s Orange Blossom Cologne, while Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, reportedly alternates between the scents Wood Sage and Sea Salt and Wild Bluebell.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026
The onset of more organ soloing by Emmett over twin guitars is just the barrage needed to slam home the paranoia and loneliness in a song that alternates self-effacement with self-defensive allegations of gaslighting and abandonment.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 11 July 2026

Definition of alternates

Verb

The trail undulates a bit over rocky rises and occasionally detours into the woods, but experienced hikers shouldn't have any problems.

— Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 7 June 2026
Miller also strategically employs the Pietà in his Confederate Women’s Monument, turning to Michelangelo’s later Depositional group from the Pietà Bandini, in which the dead Christ is not draped on Mary’s lap and knees but undulates across the bodies of his earthbound beloveds.

— Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026

Definition of undulates

Verb

In the video, testers are seated in a ride vehicle attached to a robotic arm that swings around nearly 360 degrees in the air.

— Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
During one of the more graphic sequences, It4mi swings a blade at the woman, severing her arm and sending blood across the frame.

— Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of swings

Verb

The main road home is closed, so players must detour through a wild valley full of hills, rivers and angry wildlife, while the janky physics turn every bump into potential disaster as the RV sways, tips and flips with ease.

— Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026
As the water sways and the flowers blow, 120 wooden crosses now line the Guadalupe River in Kerr County.

— Marissa Armas, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Definition of sways

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oscillated

oscillates

oscillating

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“Oscillates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillates. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of oscillates

verb

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