Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective mercurial differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mercurial are capricious, fickle, inconstant, and unstable. While all these words mean "lacking firmness or steadiness (as in purpose or devotion)," mercurial implies a rapid changeability in mood.

made anxious by her boss's mercurial temperament

When could capricious be used to replace mercurial?

The words capricious and mercurial can be used in similar contexts, but capricious suggests motivation by sudden whim or fancy and stresses unpredictability.

an utterly capricious critic

When is fickle a more appropriate choice than mercurial?

While in some cases nearly identical to mercurial, fickle suggests unreliability because of perverse changeability and incapacity for steadfastness.

performers discover how fickle fans can be

When is it sensible to use inconstant instead of mercurial?

The synonyms inconstant and mercurial are sometimes interchangeable, but inconstant implies an incapacity for steadiness and an inherent tendency to change.

an inconstant friend

When would unstable be a good substitute for mercurial?

Although the words unstable and mercurial have much in common, unstable implies an incapacity for remaining in a fixed position or steady course and applies especially to a lack of emotional balance.

too unstable to hold a job

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mercurial But Wright was also mercurial: always reimagining, reinventing, and rethinking his work and approach. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2025 Additionally, Hegseth has been plagued by complaints about his mercurial management style at the Pentagon, with several key aides leaving under acrimonious circumstances. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025 For two years, as one of Musk’s team of executive assistants, Butterfield helped manage her mercurial boss’ calendar and ever-changing priorities, from rescuing kids in a cave in Thailand to tunneling holes in Tesla’s parking lot. John Hyatt, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 But Yamal is too good, Raphinha is too in the groove, and Ousmane Dembele’s mercurial, two-footed brilliance is just too far up my alley. Jack Lang, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mercurial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercurial
Adjective
  • Some of the problems are caused by a volatile economic landscape.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • President Donald Trump's upcoming Middle East visit will likely focus on reinforcing regional security and strengthening alliances, further heightening the stakes in an already volatile environment.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Outlaw Music Festival touched down Thursday night on the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, California, and Bob Dylan once again delivered a wildly unpredictable set that stunned even his most hardcore fans.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025
  • Markets are unpredictable, and a company's success doesn't ensure future returns.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mercurial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercurial. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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