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
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with these beetles is that the feeding pests cause the affected plant to produce a volatile aromatic scent, which quickly attracts other beetles to the feast.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
However, those notoriously volatile market conditions haven’t discouraged some entrepreneurs.
—Barbara Peterson, AFAR Media, 6 Oct. 2025
The film tracks their volatile relationship amid Kerr’s professional high and lows in MMA, including his substance abuse struggles.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
Has the world's most volatile region been transformed?
—Susan Page, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
However, those notoriously volatile market conditions haven’t discouraged some entrepreneurs.
—Barbara Peterson, AFAR Media, 6 Oct. 2025
The film tracks their volatile relationship amid Kerr’s professional high and lows in MMA, including his substance abuse struggles.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
Has the world's most volatile region been transformed?
—Susan Page, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on how players navigate the unpredictable greens and whether the LPGA’s course care efforts can hold up under the heat.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
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Stanfield co-stars as Grofield, his quick-thinking partner-in-crime who’s part actor, part hustler, and wholly unpredictable.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Turnover among school leaders remains unstable, however.—
Kayla Huynh,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
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The jump in homeless youth represents a rising number of Cincinnati families who face unstable housing situations, said Rico Blackman, director of organizing at the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition.—
Elizabeth B. Kim,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Include an outline of typical forms of variable compensation, their targets and other ancillary items such as stock.—
Sophie Caldwell,
CNBC,
8 Oct. 2025
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This variable speed hand mixer has nine settings, a 100-watt motor, and comes with a slew of attachments to tackle a variety of tasks.—
Mark Marino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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One of the biggest targets of Collier’s ire was perceived inconsistent officiating in the WNBA.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
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On top of that, the Dodgers bullpen has been between inconsistent and awful for much of the season.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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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Although some policy decisions, such as those around trade, remain unsettled, Gallucci noted there is now a bit more clarity regarding some major economic drivers.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
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And now Jackson, who has looked unsettled and edgy in recent weeks, is dealing with a hamstring injury that could sideline him for a game or two.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The industry has an uncertain few years ahead, but for now an era of harmony between streamers and networks has broken out.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
12 Oct. 2025
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But three days after Bichette’s post-clinch proclamation, the shortstop’s status for the ALCS remains uncertain.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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