1 fluctuate | Definition of fluctuate
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fluctuate

verb
fluc·​tu·​ate | \ ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce fluctuate (audio) , -chü-ˌāt\
fluctuated; fluctuating

Definition of fluctuate

intransitive verb

1 : to shift back and forth uncertainly Oil prices fluctuated. Temperatures fluctuated.
2 : to rise and fall in or as if in waves The boat fluctuated on the rough sea.

transitive verb

: to cause to fluctuate
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about fluctuate

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Synonyms & Antonyms for fluctuate

Synonyms

change, mutate, shift, snap, vary

Antonyms

plateau, stabilize

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Choose the Right Synonym for fluctuate

swing, sway, oscillate, vibrate, fluctuate, waver, undulate mean to move from one direction to its opposite. swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side. the door suddenly swung open sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement. trees swaying in the breeze oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction. an oscillating fan vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact. the vibrating strings of a piano fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value. fluctuating interest rates waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering. the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion. an undulating sea of grass

Examples of fluctuate in a Sentence

His popularity has fluctuated during his term in office. In the desert, the temperature fluctuates dramatically.

Recent Examples on the Web

 China’s central bank sets the exchange rate each morning and allows the yuan to fluctuate by 2% against the dollar during the day. — Joe Mcdonald, Washington Post, "China lets yuan sink, Trump says serious talks to start," 26 Aug. 2019 University of Illinois at Chicago researchers are trying to help women who have a history of suicidal thoughts by looking at how the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, can affect their mood. — Kate Thayer, chicagotribune.com, "Can hormone stabilization keep suicidal thoughts at bay for women? UIC researchers are looking for answers.," 15 Aug. 2019 Part of China's arsenal China's central bank sets the exchange rate each morning and allows the yuan to fluctuate by 2% against the dollar during the day. — CBS News, "Investors fear China may "weaponize" its currency in trade fight with U.S.," 5 Aug. 2019 China’s central bank sets the exchange rate each morning and allows the yuan to fluctuate by 2% against the dollar during the day. — Joe Mcdonald, Twin Cities, "Lashing back, China lets yuan drop, halts US farm purchases," 5 Aug. 2019 Earth has seasons because its axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees, exposing the Northern and Southern hemispheres to fluctuating amounts of direct sunlight during the year. — Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, "20 Things You Didn't Know About Seasons," 16 Apr. 2019 That did not happen this past season, with Parker’s minutes fluctuating during his 31 regular-season games as well as in the Bucks’ playoff series when Parker aired his frustrations about not getting enough playing opportunities in Games 1 and 2. — Matt Velazquez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The Bucks turn to ex-Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer to lead their championship push," 16 May 2018 For instance, the decision to use RMD rules for withdrawals – rather than say the 4% rule where one withdraws a fixed percentage per year from retirement accounts – means your income could fluctuate year to year. — Robert Powell, USA TODAY, "Looking to start retirement soon? Great, here are two ways to avoid going broke," 31 July 2019 Apps like Camelcamelcamel show how an item’s price has fluctuated to ensure you’re truly getting the best deal. — Jessica Teich, Good Housekeeping, "4 Things You Should Never Buy on Amazon Prime Day," 14 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fluctuate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of fluctuate

1604, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

History and Etymology for fluctuate

Latin fluctuatus, past participle of fluctuare, from fluctus flow, wave, from fluere — more at fluid

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More Definitions for fluctuate

fluctuate

verb
How to pronounce fluctuate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of fluctuate

: to change level, strength, or value frequently

See the full definition for fluctuate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

fluctuate

verb
fluc·​tu·​ate | \ ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce fluctuate (audio) \
fluctuated; fluctuating

Kids Definition of fluctuate

: to change continually and especially up and down The temperature fluctuated.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fluctuate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with fluctuate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fluctuate

Spanish Central: Translation of fluctuate

Nglish: Translation of fluctuate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of fluctuate for Arabic Speakers

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