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
Small changes were also reported in other states, including Rhode Island, where the number of beneficiaries from year-to-year fluctuated by around 300 people, from 30,317 in 2023 to 30,015 this May.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024
The only days that fluctuate from week to week are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
—Jennifer Wolf, Parents, 8 July 2024
Her story is inspirational, having worked on her brand for over two decades as a single mom with a fluctuating income.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 6 July 2024
Ratings for the presidential debates have fluctuated over the years, according to data from Nielsen Media Research.
—Chantelle Lee, TIME, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for fluctuate 
David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024
The only days that fluctuate from week to week are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
—Jennifer Wolf, Parents, 8 July 2024
Her story is inspirational, having worked on her brand for over two decades as a single mom with a fluctuating income.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 6 July 2024
Ratings for the presidential debates have fluctuated over the years, according to data from Nielsen Media Research.
—Chantelle Lee, TIME, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for fluctuate
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 15 Jul. 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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