1
as in adjustable
capable of being readily changed
a variable expense that we could reduce if we needed to
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
as in variable star
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of variable
Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 2 Jan. 2026
Camera changes could include a variable aperture system.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Nov. 2025
For as much planning that goes into a stadium flip of this magnitude, after all — the weather is the variable that isn’t in Tepper Sports’ hands.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for variable
Adjective
American Airlines made this shift a few years ago, but its variable award pricing applies only to American Airlines flights.
—Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 2 Jan. 2026
Camera changes could include a variable aperture system.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
Noun
North wind moving 5-8 mph will become light and variable after midnight.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Nov. 2025
For as much planning that goes into a stadium flip of this magnitude, after all — the weather is the variable that isn’t in Tepper Sports’ hands.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for variable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variable
Adjective
-
The Sarah Jessica Worn-brand is known for its extreme coziness, but this clog version has a cool adjustable heel strap and hook-and-loop closure that blends functionality with fashion.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
-
This incredibly lightweight, breathable windbreaker jacket has an adjustable bungee cord collar and waist for a custom fit, as well as two large pockets at the front.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Key's Jerry is a disruption through and through, knocking everything just a little off-kilter with each volatile appearance.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Paul Weller is still a godlike figure, but the Jam themselves had a really distinct chemistry and sounded very volatile onstage and are among the great punk groups.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In another imaging campaign, API, assisted by AMIGO, was able to produce detailed images of a black hole jet, the volcanic surface of Jupiter's moon Io, and stellar winds emanating from a distant variable star.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Many of these alerts will be triggered by variable stars, which cyclically change in brightness.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
His invincible Bundesliga-winning Bayer Leverkusen side were a highly adaptable, high-pressure unit who used the ball well.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Many bathrooms have adaptable features, including shower seating.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Austin immigration advocates have argued that similar changes in Austin, and a lack of clarification from the police department on its policy, sends a message that contact with officers — even as a victim or witness — carries unpredictable risks for immigrant families.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The occurrence of abdominal pain is often unpredictable and can change over time.—
Pamela Assid Woughter,
Verywell Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That is a mystery in itself, as scientists can't explain how a white dwarf with no surrounding disk of matter can maintain an outflow for such a prolonged period of time.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
To understand a nova, first understand a white dwarf.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Each attachment can connect to an extra-long, 22-foot hose that doesn’t kink, and is flexible enough to easily maneuver around obstacles and corners.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Jan. 2026
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Tech tutors help seniors with technology, including computers, laptops and smartphones during one-hour sessions at the SSCE computer lab on a flexible schedule.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
What is a neutron star, or pulsar?—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
23 Dec. 2025
-
Pulsar 2849 intrigued me with its neutron star premise.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
21 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variable. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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