1
as in unsteady
not being in or able to maintain a state of balance
the minute we put the books down on the unstable desk, the whole stack went crashing to the floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
financial investors don't like an unstable economy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in changing
not staying constant
unstable temperatures are not ideal storage conditions for wine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unstable
Rigid robots are prone to damage in unstable, cramped environments and are expensive to repair.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Remember: Antioxidants can slow aging and prevent skin damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.
—Danielle Jackson, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
Polyphenols neutralize unstable, harmful molecules (free radicals) in the body that contribute to inflammation and cell damage.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025
The twinkling effect is caused by the unstable state of the air through which a star's light must pass to reach our eyes.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unstable
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Remember: Antioxidants can slow aging and prevent skin damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.
—Danielle Jackson, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
Polyphenols neutralize unstable, harmful molecules (free radicals) in the body that contribute to inflammation and cell damage.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025
The twinkling effect is caused by the unstable state of the air through which a star's light must pass to reach our eyes.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unstable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unstable
Adjective
-
Her hands became too unsteady after 2000 to continue drawing.—
Hilarie M. Sheets,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Something long and meandering like this: For the next four years, the United States will be an unpredictable, unsteady global superpower run by a fascist oligarchy, in which the people’s representatives cater to a madman’s whim.—
Eli Grober,
The New Yorker,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Over the past four years, SOFI's annual returns have been considerably more volatile than the S&P 500, with returns of 27% in 2021, -71% in 2022, 116% in 2023, and 55% in 2024.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Income tax is more volatile and susceptible to the ups and downs within the economy, Greller said.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
After a couple of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander free throws gave the Thunder that precarious three-point lead with 13.2 left, the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic breathing heavy down Oklahoma City’s neck, guard Caruso took a foul on Jokic.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
6 May 2025
-
The shoemaker reported a record $9 billion in revenue last year, though the deal comes in a precarious period for retailers amid tariffs.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
Some British places are utterly unpredictable to pronounce.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
-
Steering the cart is an obvious responsibility of her role, but navigating the course mentally is just as important due to the unpredictable players on the field.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
The two men had worked together for years, selling everything from colon cleanses to get-rich-quick advice, before pivoting to crypto with uneven results.—
Eric Lipton,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
An even newer device, an electronic screener or balance board, measures foot movements as the patient tries to balance themselves on an uneven surface with their eyes open, and then closed.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That the posing and posturing for the public continued even as the Pentagon descended into turmoil over his rocky leadership seemed to say something, too.—
Jonathan Swan,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Smith, standing by a table of unclaimed nametags (Brad, Brock, Craig, Frank, John, Justin, Orlando, Stan), conceded that the path to paradise had been rocky.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
A lot of casuals were turned off by the entire extraction shooter concept of losing loot or unbalanced fights.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
-
Your choice comes after years of trying to make things work despite the unbalanced responsibilities and disrespect.—
Anna Pulley,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unstable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unstable. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share