VARIABLE Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

variable 1 of 2

adjective

ˈver-ē-ə-bəl

Definition of variable

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed a variable expense that we could reduce if we needed to

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in volatile

likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly highly variable income from his job as a real estate agent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

variable

2 of 2

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 variable

Adjective

Truck makers and operators still have to solve some major issues, however, including how automated trucks will operate in variable weather and road conditions, and whether drivers should still be inside big rigs. — Shannon Roberts, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026 The display retains the 120 Hz variable refresh rate of its predecessors. — Samuel Axon, ArsTechnica, 28 Oct. 2026

Noun

The political situation in Israel adds a combustible variable. — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 Along with the perception that Europe is now Russia’s principal geopolitical adversary, the continent’s increasing strategic autonomy, including on both nuclear and conventional issues, has become a crucial variable in Russia’s calculus. — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variable

Adjective

The adjustable zipper and relaxed fit leave room for endless layering possibilities, like over a thin T-shirt or under a bulky coat depending on the occasion.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2026
Women’s styles span a micro mini skirt with an adjustable denim belt, low-rise baggy jeans and a zipper bubble jacket.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

The war has cast a shadow on Persian Gulf nations that have long presented themselves as paragons of stability in a volatile region, mostly unaffected by the conflicts raging in the wider Middle East.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Daco recommends testing investments against a range of financing costs and maintaining hurdle rates that reflect a structurally higher and more volatile cost of capital.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of volatile

Noun

In May, for example, astronomers suggested that a lunar-mass PBH might have been spotted drifting through the halo of our Milky Way, but follow-up work suggested the sighting was a variable star, not a black hole.

— Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
This variable star is also located 250 light-years from Earth, but is sadly lost from view in the glare of the sun during the summer months.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of variable star

Adjective

Although the initial deployment will focus on 5G, Qualcomm said the platforms offer an adaptable foundation for future connectivity technologies and more intelligent network operations.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Everyone reacts differently to the time change, but being adaptable makes the darkness a little easier on your physical and mental health, according to Richardson.

— Amanda Callahan, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

Climbing precarious and unpredictable steps really tests some important mechanics as the technology develops – including balance, real-time decision-making and adaptation.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
The tightest, most unpredictable race in Illinois this year may actually be the race for Chicago School Board President.

— CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Noun

The team thinks that this unique double structure is evidence of planets that weren't completely vaporized during this white dwarf's red giant phase.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Next, Hollands is planning to keep analyzing more white dwarf star spectra, with advances in scientific techniques meaning that researchers will be able to look at a new tranche of stars that are even farther away from Earth.

— Jack Guy, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of white dwarf

Adjective

Some provide particularly strong medical and evacuation benefits, while others stand out for family coverage, flexible cancellation options or protection across multiple trips.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
As the nanoparticles come together, the flexible connectors spontaneously reorganize to maximize bond stability.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of flexible

Noun

The gravity on the surface can be several billion times Earth’s, and a typical neutron star’s magnetic field is billions of times stronger than Earth’s as well.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
The team behind that research determined that GRB 111209A is powered by a magnetar, a neutron star with a particular powerful magnetic field.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of neutron star

Cite this Entry

Style

“Variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variable. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of variable

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on variable

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

cockamamie

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

The Words of the Week - Nov. 6

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes