1
as in fluctuations
the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another
fickle springtime weather in which there seemed to be an unceasing oscillation between unseasonable heat and unseasonable cold
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in vibrations
a series of slight movements by a body back and forth or from side to side
the precise oscillations of the quartz crystal that allows a quartz watch to keep such accurate time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of oscillations
One of the key targets of the NGRST surveys is what are called baryon acoustic oscillations.
—
John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
For instance, light particles like positrons (or electrons, in this experiment) need extremely fast oscillations, gigahertz (GHz) frequencies, to stay confined.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
European markets’ Tuesday oscillations followed a four-day Easter break, after finishing Thursday’s session in mixed territory.
—Hugh Leask,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
The oscillations are influenced by the structure of the Sun's interior, which is defined by flows of plasma within the convective layer.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Taken altogether, this explains the decrease in time between SN 2024afav’s luminosity oscillations and confirms Kasen’s magnetar theory.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026
Casimir said the plates would act as a kind of guillotine for the electromagnetic field, chopping off long-wavelength oscillations in a way that would skew the zero-point energy.
—George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2026
Still others use the sun’s oscillations (essentially hot liquid earthquakes) to get a secondhand glance at its interior.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025
John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
For instance, light particles like positrons (or electrons, in this experiment) need extremely fast oscillations, gigahertz (GHz) frequencies, to stay confined.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
European markets’ Tuesday oscillations followed a four-day Easter break, after finishing Thursday’s session in mixed territory.
—Hugh Leask,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
The oscillations are influenced by the structure of the Sun's interior, which is defined by flows of plasma within the convective layer.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Taken altogether, this explains the decrease in time between SN 2024afav’s luminosity oscillations and confirms Kasen’s magnetar theory.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026
Casimir said the plates would act as a kind of guillotine for the electromagnetic field, chopping off long-wavelength oscillations in a way that would skew the zero-point energy.
—George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2026
Still others use the sun’s oscillations (essentially hot liquid earthquakes) to get a secondhand glance at its interior.
—Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillations
Noun
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However, this puts extra stress on an already high-stakes business, as bridal shop owners must cater to more last-minute requests and adjustments due to rapid weight fluctuations.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The more fluctuations in temperature, the more the quality will degrade.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Most of these sensors rely on mechanical systems that detect vibrations and movements, which limits their use on platforms that move, such as submarines and planes.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Apr. 2026
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It can be paired with a 1,925-watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system with 36 speakers that can send bass vibrations through the seats (an 18-speaker/575-watt Bowers & Wilkins system is standard).—
Stephen Edelstein,
ArsTechnica,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Just one of many changes brought in by MLB’s attempt to make the game better.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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When a transaction is elevated from review by a state economic agency to consideration by a party national security body, the calculus changes.—
Dewardric L. McNeal,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oscillations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillations. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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