as in unpredictable
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
a boss of volatile moods is frustrating to work for
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of volatile
But a series of smaller and volatile technology stocks are set to report this week and traders expect a wild ride for many.
—
Nick Wells,liz Napolitano, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
This is a tense and volatile arena, and these are some proud and egotistical people.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
After getting through that more volatile period in his life, Springsteen eventually settled down and married actress and model Julianne Phillips in 1985.
—Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Measurements with a handheld meter showed negligible volatile organic compounds (VOCs) escaping from the chamber.
—PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Nick Wells,liz Napolitano, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
This is a tense and volatile arena, and these are some proud and egotistical people.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
After getting through that more volatile period in his life, Springsteen eventually settled down and married actress and model Julianne Phillips in 1985.
—Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Measurements with a handheld meter showed negligible volatile organic compounds (VOCs) escaping from the chamber.
—PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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With unpredictable twists and emotions running high, this Halloween is especially chaotic, and Mutable signs — Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces — can't imagine what's in store.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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Predicting something that has becoming increasingly unpredictable is an impossible task, but here’s a look at how the shutdown could ripple through critical avenues of everyday life.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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These early casualties highlight the risks posed by prolonged rainfall and unstable terrain, even before a storm reaches peak intensity.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Oct. 2025
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Earlier types of electrides were unstable and difficult to reproduce.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The key was a variable (undulatory) current rather than the on/off pulses of telegraphy.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Oct. 2025
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For example, since most credit cards have a variable rate, there’s a direct connection to the federal funds rate.—
Christina Cheddar Berk,
CNBC,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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By the end of the season, one of the biggest conversations regarding the WNBA revolved around what many saw as inconsistent officiating, which can arguably result in mixed messages about what level of physicality is allowed on the court.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
27 Oct. 2025
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Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates may have positions in financial instruments mentioned, may have acquired such positions at prices no longer available, and may have interests different from or adverse to your interests or inconsistent with the advice herein.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Rigorous, blustery winter; winding sleety spring; hot, moist enervating summer; changeful autumn with its dog-days; these are absolutely unknown.—
San Diego Union-Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Jan. 2023
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Hers is the kind of face that inspires directors to tight framing — gleaming, as if smoothed from marble, and yet somehow pliant, changeful.—
Jordan Kisner Jack Davison,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2022
Adjective
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Because of its unfortunate history, many patient deaths occurred, and many unsettled spirits still haunt The Crescent Hotel.—
Noreen Kompanik,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
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Looking ahead, the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio, says unsettled weather is possible next week.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Akheem Mesidor’s status uncertain Those wanting to know more about Hurricanes edge rusher Akheem Mesidor’s status for Saturday’s game against Stanford will have to wait a little bit longer.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
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Major deals now feature 20-30 year funding horizons—extraordinary bets on technologies whose commercial viability five years from now remains uncertain.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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