1
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
a fluctuating stock market makes it hard for investors to know what to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in changing
not staying constant
our speed was constantly fluctuating, so the figure of 50 miles per hour is just an average
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in varying
to pass from one form, state, or level to another
temperatures will fluctuate between the low and high 50s today
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fluctuating
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Oct. 2025
Many rival fans have had a good laugh at Tottenham and their wildly fluctuating results this season.
—Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
The same amount of water per unit time can arrive as a smooth, steady rain of many small drops or as a strongly fluctuating shower with fewer but much larger drops.
—Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024
Irwin said that the characters’ runaway emotions are mirrored by the wildly fluctuating time signatures.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2024
Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Conditions such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and severe anxiety disorders frequently involve fluctuating symptoms.
—Jeffrey Freedman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
With confidence fluctuating around peace talks, and reverberations in energy markets continuing, what has gone up could just as easily come down.
—Will Barker, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
Oxygen proved to be a particularly potent arbiter of the disk’s chemical evolution in the simulations because its fluctuating levels dictate the oxidation state of the resulting minerals, ultimately yielding the three families that mirror the three chondrite varieties.
—Javier Barbuzano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
Geopolitical tensions, fluctuating energy prices and concerns about consumer debt levels are all contributing to a more fragile economic outlook.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
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
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
LeVota said in his Tuesday video statement that spreading tax credits out over three years, rather than recouping one lump sum from school districts, was the county’s attempt to mitigate the impact of fluctuating property tax values.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Don’t Leave Pumpkins to Extreme Elements Pumpkins prefer consistency, so fluctuating temperatures—such as freezing nights followed by warm, sunny days—can weaken them.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Oct. 2025
Many rival fans have had a good laugh at Tottenham and their wildly fluctuating results this season.
—Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
The same amount of water per unit time can arrive as a smooth, steady rain of many small drops or as a strongly fluctuating shower with fewer but much larger drops.
—Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024
Irwin said that the characters’ runaway emotions are mirrored by the wildly fluctuating time signatures.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2024
Verb
Picking the right airline can be difficult, especially when there are so many choices to consider, and prices are constantly fluctuating.
—Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
Conditions such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and severe anxiety disorders frequently involve fluctuating symptoms.
—Jeffrey Freedman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
With confidence fluctuating around peace talks, and reverberations in energy markets continuing, what has gone up could just as easily come down.
—Will Barker, TheWeek, 24 Apr. 2026
Oxygen proved to be a particularly potent arbiter of the disk’s chemical evolution in the simulations because its fluctuating levels dictate the oxidation state of the resulting minerals, ultimately yielding the three families that mirror the three chondrite varieties.
—Javier Barbuzano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
Geopolitical tensions, fluctuating energy prices and concerns about consumer debt levels are all contributing to a more fragile economic outlook.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
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
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
LeVota said in his Tuesday video statement that spreading tax credits out over three years, rather than recouping one lump sum from school districts, was the county’s attempt to mitigate the impact of fluctuating property tax values.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluctuating
Adjective
-
Demand rises, infrastructure costs increase, and households remain exposed to volatile energy prices.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Traders on the prediction market site Polymarket were giving Musk 32% odds of success as of Friday, after weeks of volatile price swings.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In some studies, gloves not changed between tasks had higher bacterial counts and could transfer germs just as easily as ungloved hands, underscoring the need for frequent changing and proper hand hygiene.—
Evan Moore
December 19,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Tornado threats of varying levels are in place each day through Monday, as are risks for damaging straight-line wind gusts and hail.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Regional differences shape Colorado’s housing market, with varying inventory, sales, and pricing trends across the state.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Known for his unpredictable, edgy behavior and fiery personality, Gritty has expanded the traditional boundaries of what a sports team mascot can be or do.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Special legislative sessions are unpredictable, and people on both sides say the Florida fight is far from over, with mistrust of the medical establishment still running high after the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Kerry Sheridan,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And the uneven availability cost him a chance to fully adjust to his new role within the organization.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Heavy rain can wash away grass seed and cause uneven growth or bare spots in your lawn.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That debate intensified this March, when city officials outlined multiple options for restructuring the city’s approach to homelessness, including maintaining LAHSA with reforms, shifting responsibilities to the county, or bringing more programs in-house.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
By evening, disruptive Uranus enters Gemini, shifting conversations, decisions, and how information moves through your world.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Rigorous, blustery winter; winding sleety spring; hot, moist enervating summer; changeful autumn with its dog-days; these are absolutely unknown.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Jan. 2023
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Hers is the kind of face that inspires directors to tight framing — gleaming, as if smoothed from marble, and yet somehow pliant, changeful.—
Jordan Kisner Jack Davison,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2022
Adjective
-
Daniel Zhao, Glassdoor's chief economist, said fewer people are quitting their jobs, fearing an unstable market, a dynamic that comes at a cost to employee morale and career satisfaction.—
Jennifer Elias,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
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The serac between base camp and Camp One is unstable and is risky for climbers, said Himal Gautam of Nepal's Department of Mountaineering.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluctuating. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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