oscillation

noun

ˌä-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce oscillation (audio)
Definition of oscillationnext
1
as in fluctuation
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 vibration
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

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 oscillation Rhythm, Not Relentless First in Caldwell’s list of eight body principles is oscillation. — Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Hoell and his colleagues analyzed nearly four decades of El Niño and La Niña oscillations and wildfire burn areas to understand how often the fire season mirrors the climate cycle. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 Rapid oscillations trigger muscle contractions that can indirectly support lymph movement. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 When two black holes collide, their song ripples through the very fabric of existence, creating a thundering chorus of oscillations in spacetime that echo across the universe like the fading gong of a bell. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oscillation
  1. fluctuation
  2. vibration
  3. change
  4. twitching
  5. shaking
  6. trembling
Noun
  • The team analyzed the corridor over the long term and used seasonal-trend decomposition using LOESS, a statistical method that helped separate seasonal fluctuations from longer-term settlement.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The short-sleeve shirt is ideal for temperature fluctuations in the cabin, and the stretchy wide-leg pants are perfect for long periods of sitting.
    — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of fluctuation
Noun
  • An inherent advantage of electric propulsion is the better noise, vibration, and harshness; the motors are smooth and quiet, and as a result, the Range Rover Electric is 7 decibels quieter than the V8.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Computers mounted on vehicles can face vibration, temperature changes, and limited space.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of vibration
Noun
  • Flock Safety announced some changes to its policies in mid-August after reports of misuse, including requiring officers to enter specific codes.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • That change was introduced to help give club staff working across transfer departments a more normal working pattern.
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of change
Noun
  • Casting near banks and using a twitching technique can increase success during the hatch.
    — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
  • During this phase, octopuses display visible twitching along with rapid changes in skin color and texture, per NPR.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of twitching
Noun
  • When the shaking stopped, the sample was removed and then readied for sequencing.
    — Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The strongest shaking is concentrated around the epicenter northwest of Cali and extends toward the Pacific coast, while weaker shaking spreads toward Medellín, Bogotá and surrounding regions.
    — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of shaking
Noun
  • Betelgeuse and the Pleiades hung—one billowing, one trembling—out of sight somewhere past the window frame.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • When the trembling decreased, the 27-year-old mother took the stairs seven stories down with her young child in her arms and evacuated the building.
    — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of trembling

Browse Nearby Words

oscillating
oscillation
oscillations
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Cite this Entry

“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oscillation. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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