fluctuate

/ˈflʌkt͡ʃu.eɪt/verb

To rise and fall or change repeatedly in an irregular way.

Example sentences

“Gas prices fluctuate from week to week.”
“Temperatures in the desert fluctuate wildly between day and night.”

Standard for prices, temperatures, moods, and weight. It implies movement both up and down; if the change runs one way, use 'rise' or 'decline' instead.

Synonyms for fluctuate

vary
swing
rise and fall
seesaw
change

Antonyms

stabilize
hold steady

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary.

Related words

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