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

Plants tolerate the variable moisture regimes common to unirrigated clay soil, including both moist soil and periods of drought. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026 If rates fall over the next six months, locking in a CD rate now would mean the returns outperform a variable-rate account. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Noun

The variable that separates a message that lands from one that is ignored is context and whether the message reflects what is happening around a person, in real time, in the physical and clinical world. — Kamya Elawadhi, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 In the past, the field of experimental science was a slow endeavor as scientists were limited to changing one variable at a time before recording an experiment’s results. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variable

Adjective

Thin straps also wrapped around the musician’s ankles, secured in place with adjustable buckle closures that kept the shoes secure.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
People can adjust their sprinkler’s spread, Howarth said, or pay to replace their sprinkler heads with adjustable heads.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

One wild card for inflation has been oil prices, which have been volatile due to uncertainty about the war in Iran.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Citadel’s stock transactions are giving investors a glimpse of how Griffin is navigating an increasingly volatile market.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 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

While mosquitoes are remarkably adaptable animals, scientists have repeatedly demonstrated that their numbers and territory are expanding as the planet warms and weather patterns change.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
The adaptable oak varieties are native to the capital region and, when mature, can often survive the hot, dry summers without being watered — something Leary points to when advocating for preserving the trees rather than planting new ones.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

Researchers from Tohoku University in Japan and VISTEC in Thailand say the approach could help robots move more effectively through unpredictable terrain.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Prolific and versatile, Richard Linklater has been one of the most joyously unpredictable filmmakers for more than 35 years.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Adjective

For someone with a flexible foot or a narrow forefoot where the toes tend to crowd each other, separating the big toe from the second toe can reduce rubbing and irritation.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, flexible polymers and skin-care-grade ingredients (like panthenol and glycerin) work together to hold styles, while still keeping hair hydrated and glossy.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of flexible

Noun

Hubble’s images reveal an intricate web of gas and dust spreading outward from the explosion’s center, where a rapidly spinning neutron star remains.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
After the explosion, Betelgeuse A will probably leave behind a superdense neutron star with an incredibly strong magnetic field.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of neutron star

Cite this Entry

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“Variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variable. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of variable

adjective

noun

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