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
For many people living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), flares can feel sudden and unpredictable—appearing without warning and, often, without a clear reason why.
—
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
In this strange new world – where everyday objects loom like mountains – the tiny trio must stick together to survive, navigating water towers, sewer mazes and unpredictable robot cleaners.
—Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 11 May 2026
This helped secure the first of two recent wins that have given Arsenal breathing space at the top of the table and highlighted Raya’s balance, reactivity and ability to reorganise his body against an unpredictable strike.
—Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 10 May 2026
And the range of potential shocks, from geopolitical conflict to AI disruption, is as broad and unpredictable as at any point in the post-crisis era.
—Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unpredictable
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 May 2026
In this strange new world – where everyday objects loom like mountains – the tiny trio must stick together to survive, navigating water towers, sewer mazes and unpredictable robot cleaners.
—Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 11 May 2026
This helped secure the first of two recent wins that have given Arsenal breathing space at the top of the table and highlighted Raya’s balance, reactivity and ability to reorganise his body against an unpredictable strike.
—Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 10 May 2026
And the range of potential shocks, from geopolitical conflict to AI disruption, is as broad and unpredictable as at any point in the post-crisis era.
—Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unpredictable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unpredictable
Adjective
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Outperformance in the next decade won’t come from lower costs, but instead from the ability to keep operating when markets turn volatile.—
Victor Nian,
Fortune,
10 May 2026
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It’s destined to be remembered as one of the most volatile and surprising political contests modern-day California has ever seen.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 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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Why Sorting Laundry Was Traditionally Important Before advances in fabric manufacturing, many dyes were unstable.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
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While highly energetic, these ions are unstable.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unpredictable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unpredictable. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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