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

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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

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 The exact figure could fluctuate year-to-year and the Big East TV deal with Fox is not public. Dan Brechlin, courant.com, "Here are some key details in the UConn-Big East contract including a $30 million withdrawal fee," 26 June 2019 Let’s call it partly sunny for now, but cloud levels could fluctuate. Washington Post, "D.C.-area forecast: Warm but rather cloudy with a shower or two around through the weekend," 8 June 2019 The Category 5 storm was downgraded to a Category 4 Wednesday morning, though that number could fluctuate. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Fox News, "Hurricane Lane threatens Hawaii: What to know about the rare storm's path," 22 Aug. 2018 DeGraw said the number of people without power could fluctuate throughout the evening as crews assessed the damage Valleywide, and said that customers could check the outage map for the most up-to-date outage information. Brieanna J Frank, azcentral, "Nearly 100,000 without power in the Valley after severe storm," 9 July 2018 The deal is estimated at $5.76 million and could fluctuate based on further land assessments, the news release says. Rick Kambic, chicagotribune.com, "Libertyville reaches deal to sell driving range, miniature golf course," 11 June 2018 To continue reading this story, TRY IT NOW Purchasing agent Mary Quinones told commissioners the $3.5 million figure was an estimate based on current jail populations, and could fluctuate. Jasper Scherer, San Antonio Express-News, "Bexar commissioners renew amended jail food contract, nominate company for Enterprise Zone Program," 22 May 2018

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

English Language Learners Definition of fluctuate

: to change level, strength, or value frequently

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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