fluctuating 1 of 2

adjective

ˈflək-chə-ˌwā-tiŋ How to pronounce fluctuating (audio)
Definition of fluctuatingnext
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

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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

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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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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
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 Many rival fans have had a good laugh at Tottenham and their wildly fluctuating results this season. — Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024 Irwin said that the characters’ runaway emotions are mirrored by the wildly fluctuating time signatures. — Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2024 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
Verb
This event created a lot of attention among radio astronomers, who, over the years, found many other bright, rapidly fluctuating sources. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026 Surcharges–a cost added by some airlines into tickets to offset the fluctuating cost of jet fuel–have also impacted American consumers. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 26 June 2026 The team looked for periodic fluctuations in the emissions at the relevant wavelengths as a potential sign of a fluctuating magnetic influence. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2026 Visually, the result was a restlessly fluctuating Technicolor whorl. — Max Norman, New Yorker, 25 June 2026 That kind of determination may involve job duties, transportation, treatment side effects, fluctuating symptoms and the difference between working sometimes and working consistently. — Michelle Mbekeani, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 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 Shady Alassar | Anadolu | Getty Images Oil rose slightly early Tuesday, fluctuating as investors show cautious optimism about an end to the conflict in the Middle East. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 23 June 2026 Specifically, groundwater levels began fluctuating, monitoring data shows. — Mark Price june 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fluctuating
  1. volatile
  2. changing
  3. varying
  4. unpredictable
  5. uneven
  6. shifting
  7. changeful
  8. unstable
Adjective
  • Related Stories Set in 1948 Malaya in the volatile years that followed the end of World War II, the film traces a Malay soldier and a British soldier who are left behind after the British military withdraws.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2026
  • While the rally continued into early 2026, trade soon turned volatile.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Definition of volatile
Adjective
  • 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
Definition of changing
Verb
  • In 2026, there have been over 600 recalls reported for products varying from frozen foods to baby formula and hundreds in between.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • Understanding diverse approaches to relationship-building, like varying social contexts for trust, is key.
    — Andy Molinsky, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of varying
Adjective
  • Analysts expect gas prices to continue falling but remain unpredictable due to geopolitical tensions.
    — Keith Laing, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Your personal life could feel crowded, unpredictable and emotionally overwhelming, Scorpio.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Household financial resilience also remains uneven, even when many adults report doing okay or living comfortably.
    — Henrik Totterman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • The uneven workmanship of the double stitching suggests the giant flag was likely made by amateurs, curators with the historical society have determined.
    — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of uneven
Verb
  • Multiple soccer writers are reporting on social media that this game could also move time, shifting an hour later, potentially due to weather, but also possibly due to the potential overlap with the England-Mexico game.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026
  • Trump has redirected federal money to help finance billions of dollars of renovations, shifting hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds from National Parks and other programs.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 July 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
  • Relying on hand tools instead of heavy machinery, firefighters tunneled through unstable debris to rescue a security guard trapped for eight days.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • In an unstable industry with IP, nepotism and maybe even now artificial intelligence ruling supreme, Ridd and Boa have doubled down on emerging filmmakers with original stories.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026
Definition of unstable

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Cite this Entry

“Fluctuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fluctuating. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of fluctuating for Spanish Speakers

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