FLUCTUATING Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

fluctuating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈflək-chə-ˌwā-tiŋ

Definition of fluctuating

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

fluctuating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of fluctuate

as in varying

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 fluctuating

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

Many laboratory innovations fail when tested on real-world power grids, where fluctuating solar and wind energy subjects equipment to harsh operating cycles. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 This insulates these segments of the market from the effects of fluctuating mortgage rates. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 Such flexibility is compatible with the fluctuating nature of entrepreneurship. — Bernardo Saraiva, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Gray noise, per The New York Times, may sound like wind blowing or steady rainfall and works for apartment dwellers sensitive to sharp or fluctuating noises. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026 An active Pacific region Hurricane Polo has been a powerful storm, at times fluctuating between Category 4 and Category 5. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 Farmers are struggling under the pressure of higher energy costs, tariffs and fluctuating crop prices. — Jarrell Dillard, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2026 However, expectations have been volatile and highly dependent on data as well as fluctuating energy prices, making the stakes for Friday’s release even higher. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026 Their failure to receive one may be attributed to their having vague symptoms, such as a general feeling of malaise, weakness, or fluctuating muscle pain. — Jerome Groopman, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluctuating

Adjective

Instead, the name of the game is to create pockets of stability in an inherently volatile business.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Targeting a smaller raise could protect a higher valuation, but might trigger skepticism over how the AI firm will fund its massive infrastructure needs in a volatile bond market.

— Justin Zacks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of volatile

Verb

Fixing the problem Flexible substrates have uneven surface roughness and varying hydroxyl-group densities, making standard large-area printing techniques ineffective.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
Research from clinical trials that have required female participants only since 1993 have repeatedly drummed home that message, from varying chromosomes in heart muscle cells to different heart attack symptoms and causes.

— Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of varying

Adjective

Holy Cross and the Lower Ninth Ward that borders it are known for their quiet ambiance, grocery store deserts, and drawbridge access with unpredictable hours.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Frost leaves orchard with few apples to harvest The unpredictable weather has forced the farm to adjust to get through the season.

— Tara Lynch, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Adjective

The brand's signature technology combines a retinoid with lactic acid to smooth fine lines, uneven tone, and rough texture, and its AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads take things a step further.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
These accounts often waive monthly fees without a minimum balance and offer larger transaction or cash deposit allowances, since nonprofits may see uneven cash flow tied to grant cycles and fundraising.

— Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of uneven

Verb

The two built the models that modern central banks use to stabilize the economy, shifting macro policymakers’ focus from big economic variables like inflation and unemployment to the actual decisions of individuals.

— Dario Marino, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
The attorney characterized the company's earlier responses as providing limited information while shifting blame and responsibility to others.

— Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of shifting

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
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

Definition of changeful

Adjective

Water essentially acts as a catalyst that spontaneously creates particles known as hydroxyl radicals, unstable molecules linked to aging and disease.

— Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
If a tree appears diseased, unstable or at risk of falling, consider documenting the problem and notifying the owner in writing.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of unstable

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fluctuates

fluctuating

fluctuation

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Style

“Fluctuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluctuating. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fluctuating

adjective

verb

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