fluctuate
verb (used without object)
to change continually; shift back and forth; vary irregularly.
fluctuates
-
present tense formof fluctuate (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
It population fluctuates but more than 1,000 people can be based there at any given time.
From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026
However, because Antarctic ice coverage naturally fluctuates considerably from year to year, researchers remain uncertain whether this gradual increase reflected a meaningful long-term change.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026
While her $3,400 rent is the same each month, her utility bill, which includes charges for shared utilities including water, wastewater, hot water and HVAC, fluctuates by hundreds of dollars.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
The Northwestern figure fluctuates depending on economic and political events.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 10, 2026
In addition, receptivity to innovation fluctuates in time within the same region.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
