seesaw
Balanced plank ride
A seesaw is a playground device consisting of a long plank balanced on a central pivot, allowing children seated on opposite ends to alternately rise and fall.
This back-and-forth motion gives rise to the verb and adjective seesaw, describing anything that fluctuates between two states or positions: The lead seesawed between the candidates all night.
The word itself mimics the rhythmic up-and-down action, suggesting alternation and instability.
Pivoting playground board
- swingsetOutdoor frame with seats
- slideSmooth continuous movement
- sandboxEnclosed play area
- merry-go-roundRotating amusement ride
playground · recess · park · backyard · schoolyard · recreation · children · toddler
Waver between choices
- oscillateMove rhythmically between extremes
- fluctuateVary irregularly over time
- waverHesitate or fluctuate
- alternateOccur in succession
swing · shift · vary · back-and-forth · up-and-down · instability · uncertainty · indecision
Sway without stability
- totterMove unsteadily, nearly falling
- rockSolid earthen material
- bobShort vertical movement
- tipEnd or gratuity
tilt · pivot · up-and-down · bounce · dip · lift · lower · pump
State of balance
- counterbalanceOffsetting force or weight
- equipoiseEqual distribution of weight
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- fulcrumLever's balance point
symmetry · offset · imbalance · proportion · parity · tension · adjustment
Mutual concession between parties
- tradeoffExchange involving sacrifice
- push-and-pullOpposing simultaneous forces
- tug-of-warCompetitive rope-pulling contest
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
compromise · rivalry · competition · advantage · disadvantage · upper-hand · dominance · submission
teeter-totter
Pivoting playground board
merry-go-round · playground · recess · park · backyard · schoolyard · recreation · children · toddler · plank
vacillate
Waver between choices
- oscillateMove rhythmically between extremes
- fluctuateVary irregularly over time
- waverHesitate or fluctuate
alternate · swing · shift · vary · back-and-forth · up-and-down · instability · uncertainty · indecision · volatility
teeter
Sway without stability
tip · tilt · pivot · up-and-down · bounce · dip · lift · lower · pump · push-off
equilibrium
State of balance
- counterbalanceOffsetting force or weight
- equipoiseEqual distribution of weight
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
fulcrum · symmetry · offset · imbalance · proportion · parity · tension · adjustment
give-and-take
Mutual concession between parties
- tradeoffExchange involving sacrifice
- push-and-pullOpposing simultaneous forces
- tug-of-warCompetitive rope-pulling contest
negotiation · compromise · rivalry · competition · advantage · disadvantage · upper-hand · dominance · submission · zero-sum
- balance & stabilitybalance, counterweight, stabilizer, fulcrum, steadying
- play centerball pit, ball pool, climbing frame, climbing frames, foam pit
- playgroundswings, slide, monkey bars, slides, swing set
- Reduplicativesbye-bye, mama, papa, haha, yo-yo
- reversalsreverse, undo, revert, overturn, flip
- up-and-down motionbounce, yoyo, bobbing, swing, rise and fall
seesawhold steady
Remain constant, unmoved
stay put · stillness · stabilize · immobility · remain
seesawstabilize
Make firm or constant
remain · hold steady · equilibrium · steadiness · constancy
seesawswing
Suspended recreational seat
slide · monkey bars · jungle gym · merry-go-round · climbing frame