fluctuate
verb
fluc·tu·ate
ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt 
-chü-ˌāt
fluctuated; fluctuating
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.
: to cause to fluctuate
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
Pricing by manufacturer between early last year and early this year fluctuated wildly, Cox Automotive data show.
—
Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024
The lake is contaminated with heavy metals because of local mining operations, according to the zoo, and the water levels fluctuate because it is tapped for hydroelectric power generation.
—Brittany Anas, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Spotting could result from fluctuating hormone levels.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 16 Mar. 2024
As astronomical spring begins, temperatures will fluctuate.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 15 Mar. 2024
To some extent, even the popularity of certain brands will fluctuate with the times.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024
The number of people crossing the Mexican border into Yuma County has fluctuated over the years.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 24 Mar. 2024
Water levels fluctuate naturally in the Great Lakes from year-to-year.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024
In Buffett’s case, the cost of his security perks has fluctuated over the years between 2016 and 2023, averaging about $312,000.
—Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2024
Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024
The lake is contaminated with heavy metals because of local mining operations, according to the zoo, and the water levels fluctuate because it is tapped for hydroelectric power generation.
—Brittany Anas, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Spotting could result from fluctuating hormone levels.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 16 Mar. 2024
As astronomical spring begins, temperatures will fluctuate.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 15 Mar. 2024
To some extent, even the popularity of certain brands will fluctuate with the times.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024
The number of people crossing the Mexican border into Yuma County has fluctuated over the years.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 24 Mar. 2024
Water levels fluctuate naturally in the Great Lakes from year-to-year.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024
In Buffett’s case, the cost of his security perks has fluctuated over the years between 2016 and 2023, averaging about $312,000.
—Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fluctuate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near fluctuate
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuate. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fluctuate
verb
fluc·tu·ate
ˈflək-chə-ˌwāt
fluctuated; fluctuating
1
: to move up and down or back and forth like a wave
2
: to be constantly changing especially up and down
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