as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
unpredictable spring weather that makes it really hard to know what to wear
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Recent Examples of unpredictable
Six law enforcement officers were injured during evacuation efforts, which were made difficult by unpredictable, high winds, according to Winans.
—
Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 1 June 2026
Apartments are messy, unpredictable and full of awkward objects.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
Dopamine brings you back for the next unpredictable reward, the same mechanism that keeps a gambler at a slot machine.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Sharp rock scrambles and unpredictable gravel paths within the French Alps usually call for bulky, heavy-duty hiking boots.
—Nicolette Accardi, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unpredictable
Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 1 June 2026
Apartments are messy, unpredictable and full of awkward objects.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
Dopamine brings you back for the next unpredictable reward, the same mechanism that keeps a gambler at a slot machine.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Sharp rock scrambles and unpredictable gravel paths within the French Alps usually call for bulky, heavy-duty hiking boots.
—Nicolette Accardi, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unpredictable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpredictable
Adjective
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There are fears that the situation could escalate and drag the volatile Tigray region into a proxy war, even as relief agencies warn of a dire humanitarian situation on the ground.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 May 2026
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A little over a decade later, Raja Club Athletic was established in 1949 during the final, increasingly volatile years before independence.—
Radier Odhiambo,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 May 2026
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 the chemicals and the tank were deemed unstable, responders couldn't immediately access all the areas of the facility to search for additional victims, officials said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
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So we are used to operating in a very unstable context.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unpredictable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpredictable. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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