fluctuate
verb (used without object)
to change continually; shift back and forth; vary irregularly.
fluctuated
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past participleof fluctuate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof fluctuate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
fluctuateverb (used without object)to change continually; shift back and forth; vary irregularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Prices have always fluctuated; coupons have always rewarded some shoppers more than others.
From Salon ● Nov. 2, 2026
Arrivals have fluctuated over the decades, but plunged sharply during the Covid pandemic when many nations shut their borders.
From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026
The share-price performances of hyperscalers like Amazon and Alphabet have fluctuated due to sentiment over the AI boom.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026
That number fluctuated during the early 19th century, mostly for administrative reasons.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026
The geographic boundaries of the political/social spheres that could usefully be grouped as “Europe” or “China” fluctuated over the centuries.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
