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Definition of fluctuate

fluctuate

/ˈflʌk.tʃu.eɪt/
fluc · tu · ate
Adjective:fluctuant
•
Past Simple:fluctuated
•
Past Participle:fluctuated
•
Present Participle:fluctuating
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fluctuate Lexical Profile

fluctuate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To rise and fall irregularly in number, price, level, or amount.

Example

"Housing prices tend to fluctuate in response to changing interest rates and seasonal demand."

2

To move or undulate back and forth like waves.

Example

"The golden stalks of wheat began to fluctuate gently across the field as the evening breeze picked up."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for fluctuate

• Nearby Words

flu
flub
flubber
fluctuate
fluctuation
flue
fluency

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin fluctuatus, the past participle of fluctuare ('to undulate or move in waves'), derived from fluctus ('a wave') and fluere ('to flow').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fluctuate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fluctuate
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