as in unpredictable
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
a boss of volatile moods is frustrating to work for
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of volatile
The clergyman warned, however, that failure to do so would jeopardize the future of Iran and the stability of the entire Middle East, unleashing an even more volatile and repressive Tehran government in the war’s wake.
—
Angie Leventis Lourgos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
But Sacramento’s housing market, though still cheaper than San Francisco or San Jose, is still volatile.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Gold's price has been volatile since hitting its latest peak and has pulled back sharply overall.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Stocks were volatile, with major indexes plunging early in the day before moving higher at the close on shifting headlines about the war in the Middle East.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Angie Leventis Lourgos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
But Sacramento’s housing market, though still cheaper than San Francisco or San Jose, is still volatile.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Gold's price has been volatile since hitting its latest peak and has pulled back sharply overall.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Stocks were volatile, with major indexes plunging early in the day before moving higher at the close on shifting headlines about the war in the Middle East.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
-
Prices are subject to rapid, unpredictable changes due to factors like, but not limited to, supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Air travelers are paying the price of the shutdown with unpredictable, snaking TSA lines at airports across the country, jeopardizing their chances to pass through security on time for their flights.—
Graham Hurley,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Geopolitically, the world seems to be getting more unstable.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
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How geopolitical risk remains a wildcard Gold has long been considered a safe-haven investment to turn to when the world feels unstable, but recent months have shown that relationship isn't always so simple.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Peak bloom is typically expected each year in late March and early April, but those dates are variable.—
Adele Chapin,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Apr. 2026
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Dichroic refers to the Greek word dikhroos, meaning two-colored—this type of glass can refract different colors depending on the variable lighting conditions throughout the day.—
Ludovica Stevan,
Architectural Digest,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The veteran forward spent the previous 3 1/2 seasons with the Ducks, but struggled to produce during inconsistent playing time from Quenneville before his departure at the deadline.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
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After an inconsistent season as a pitcher last spring, Gluting is ready to break out in that aspect of the game as well.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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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However, the unsettled pattern continues with the Northern Mountains expected to pick up another 8 to 10 inches of light, dry snow by early Saturday.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Ian Littleworth’s Happy, the dissolute son always looking for an easy way out, seems unsettled not only in his bearings but in his command of the script.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Traditionally reliant on French institutional funding, the event now confronts an uncertain future as Mali’s military government severs ties with its former colonial overlord.—
Smooth Nzewi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
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Security fears If Iran keeps control of the Strait of Hormuz, investors would continue to view the trade chokepoint as dangerous and uncertain.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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