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

The 18 Pro Max and its variable aperture outperform the Duo here, but the Duo is definitely a better shooter than the iPhone Air. — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026 Its variable-sweep wings can be adjusted between 20 and 65 degrees, allowing the bomber to operate efficiently at lower speeds and during supersonic flight. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026

Noun

If a critical variable exceeds an allowable limit, the safety function overrides the control system regardless of why the controller made its decision. — Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Eighteen months of trade chaos and tariff whiplash have added another variable to the already delicate calculation of what to carry, how much to order, which vendors to back and when to walk away. — Jessica Binns, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variable

Adjective

This accent color continues into the cabin on the dashboard and center console, while the standard four-way power-adjustable sport seats add to the sense of occasion with plaid inserts.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Their two top sellers are the Banyan pant, which is a snap pant, and a Move and Groove pant, both of which are adjustable.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

Instead, the name of the game is to create pockets of stability in an inherently volatile business.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Targeting a smaller raise could protect a higher valuation, but might trigger skepticism over how the AI firm will fund its massive infrastructure needs in a volatile bond market.

— Justin Zacks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 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

Several expand or open, while others use moving furniture or adaptable interiors to maximize functionality.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
The program’s open-architecture approach is intended to make those systems more adaptable as operational requirements evolve.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

Holy Cross and the Lower Ninth Ward that borders it are known for their quiet ambiance, grocery store deserts, and drawbridge access with unpredictable hours.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Frost leaves orchard with few apples to harvest The unpredictable weather has forced the farm to adjust to get through the season.

— Tara Lynch, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Noun

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
Located just 48 light-years from Earth, this white dwarf has a deep convection zone that carries carbon from its core to its surface.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of white dwarf

Adjective

Paired with on-site energy storage, SSTs could turn data centers from blunt-force loads into more flexible participants in the grid.

— Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Trump’s flexible realism also entails recognizing the need to form bespoke coalitions of the willing to augment the United Nations and other large multilateral institutions.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of flexible

Noun

Such a cloud is typically linked to an eruption of heavy elements—those created during a neutron star collision and its resulting kilonova.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
However, this star doesn't have certain other heavy elements that would be present after a neutron star collision.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Oct. 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 25 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of variable

adjective

noun

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