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

But getting a variable number of holes dependent on the wavelength and intensity of infrared light out of the detector was only half the problem. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 Sleep is variable by nature, and even healthy sleepers have off nights. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

Noun

Same act, different rating, and the clearest variable was who was in the bed. — Christopher Racster, IndieWire, 23 July 2026 If your current week contains no berries, that is the fixable variable. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for variable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variable

Adjective

The memory foam interior adapts to your neck, and an adjustable Velcro closure gives you a personalized fit.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
The weight is adjustable, allowing experienced CrossFit athletes and fitness newcomers to ruck together while carrying different loads.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

Global oil prices have been volatile in recent weeks amid heightened uncertainty about potential outcomes from the Iran war.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Those nitrogen oxides combine with volatile organic compounds on hot summer days, and the pollution contributes to climate change and harms human health.

— Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of volatile

Noun

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
Mroz counters, however, that none of those cases are actual microlensing events and instead the mere fluctuations of ordinary variable stars.

— Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 4 June 2026

Definition of variable star

Adjective

Efficient sampling—adaptable for rivers, lakes and seas—enables extended feasibility studies for precise ecosystem protection and on-ground mitigation.

— Gamuda Contributor, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
By integrating multiple treatment functions into a single membrane architecture, the approach could provide a framework for creating more efficient and adaptable systems beyond desalination applications.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

During the flight, crews are in constant communication with meteorological teams across the globe to track unpredictable weather patterns.

— Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Within these spaces, designed to produce idealized performances of femininity, the unpredictable rhythms of postpartum life become a quiet act of disruption.

— Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Noun

Mills found that the white dwarf in V445 Puppis has overcome its stellar indigestion and is once again feeding on its companion helium star.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 July 2026
The planet either warmed up while engulfed during the red giant phase, or began heating as gravity pulled it closer to the resultant white dwarf.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 July 2026

Definition of white dwarf

Noun

Second, the array will track decay pathways that mirror stellar reactions, showing how heavy elements form during supernovae and neutron star collisions.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
Previous studies had suggested that the dark object was a neutron star.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 14 July 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 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of variable

adjective

noun

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