FLUCTUATE Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'fluctuate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fluctuate are oscillate , sway , swing , undulate , vibrate , and waver . While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value. // fluctuating interest rates

Q: When would 'oscillate' be a good substitute for 'fluctuate'?

Although the words oscillate and fluctuate have much in common, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction. // an oscillating fan

Q: Where would 'sway' be a reasonable alternative to 'fluctuate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to fluctuate , sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement. // trees swaying in the breeze

Q: When can 'swing' be used instead of 'fluctuate'?

The synonyms swing and fluctuate are sometimes interchangeable, but swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side. // the door suddenly swung open

Q: When is it sensible to use 'undulate' instead of 'fluctuate'?

In some situations, the words undulate and fluctuate are roughly equivalent. However, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion. // an undulating sea of grass

Q: When might 'vibrate' be a better fit than 'fluctuate'?

While the synonyms vibrate and fluctuate are close in meaning, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact. // the vibrating strings of a piano

Q: When could 'waver' be used to replace 'fluctuate'?

The words waver and fluctuate can be used in similar contexts, but waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering. // the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

fluctuate

verb

ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt

Definition of fluctuate

as in to vary

to pass from one form, state, or level to another temperatures will fluctuate between the low and high 50s today

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How does the verb fluctuate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fluctuate are oscillate, sway, swing, undulate, vibrate, and waver. While all these words mean "to move from one direction to its opposite," fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value.

fluctuating interest rates

When would oscillate be a good substitute for fluctuate?

Although the words oscillate and fluctuate have much in common, oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction.

an oscillating fan

Where would sway be a reasonable alternative to fluctuate?

While in some cases nearly identical to fluctuate, sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement.

trees swaying in the breeze

When can swing be used instead of fluctuate?

The synonyms swing and fluctuate are sometimes interchangeable, but swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side.

the door suddenly swung open

When is it sensible to use undulate instead of fluctuate?

In some situations, the words undulate and fluctuate are roughly equivalent. However, undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion.

an undulating sea of grass

When might vibrate be a better fit than fluctuate?

While the synonyms vibrate and fluctuate are close in meaning, vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact.

the vibrating strings of a piano

When could waver be used to replace fluctuate?

The words waver and fluctuate can be used in similar contexts, but waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering.

the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing

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 fluctuate Even summer packing lists call for a lightweight layer to beat fluctuating cabin temperatures and breezy oceanfront evenings, which is why the BeCalm Wrap-front Long-sleeve Shirt is a no-brainer buy at 38 percent off. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026 The annual average tuition rate fluctuated between $41 and $59, equivalent to between $1,586 and $2,194 today. — Thomas Adam, The Conversation, 26 June 2026 Specifically, groundwater levels began fluctuating, monitoring data shows. — Mark Price june 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026 The movement, with an 80-hour power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz, is also home to a perpetual calendar and an equation of time display, showing the difference between mean solar time, shown on the main dial, and true solar time, which fluctuates due to the Earth’s elliptical orbit. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fluctuate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluctuate

Verb

In the video, Johnson said the nuggets cost a little more than $17 and the buns were 25 cents each at his local restaurant, though prices vary by market.

— Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 7 July 2026
The layoffs will affect almost every division at Xbox, a source tells Variety, but will vary in size across developers including Activision, Bethesda/ZeniMax, Blizzard, King, Mojang, and Xbox Game Studios.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 6 July 2026

Definition of vary

Verb

Chishti said the rulings signify that future presidents could continue to change immigration policies at their discretion.

— Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of change

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flubs

fluctuate

fluctuated

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“Fluctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluctuate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fluctuate

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