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

Ozone in the upper stratosphere is much less variable, and also quite sensitive to ozone-depleting pollutants. — Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026 Winds will be light and variable before becoming southerly at 5 to 10 mph in the morning. — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026

Noun

Brynjolfsson’s partner on the research — has argued the distinction between automation and augmentation is the key variable. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 June 2026 The result was a giant variable-sweep-wing aircraft powered by four Kuznetsov NK-32 afterburning turbofan engines. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for variable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variable

Adjective

The shorts also have a zipper and flap pocket on either hip to store your small belongings, and it’s built with an elastic waistband and drawstring for an adjustable fit.

— Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026
To keep up with the fast-moving aerial acts, the app features an adjustable countdown timer set to the official schedule.

— Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

Gen Z has experienced inflation, volatile markets and economic uncertainty before many even began their careers.

— Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Advertisement Even after the war ends, experts expect military spending to rise, driven by an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

— Sarah Yerkes, Time, 10 July 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

Weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable, so impact windows add peace of mind to the perks of improved efficiency and climate control.

— Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Asian powers are increasingly taking steps to gird against an unpredictable former ally in the US and an ambitious regional rival in China.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Noun

What immediately stood out about WD 1856 b was how close its orbit is to its white dwarf host.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 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

Adjective

One degree with flexible hours for mid-level professionals is now under the new limits.

— Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
The aim is to create digital assets that are flexible enough to be used over and over in lots of different ways, whether in movies, video games, advertising, or interactive projects.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026

Definition of flexible

Noun

When this phenomenon happens, all the matter in the neutron star fuses into one big atom, with a density of about a million billion g/cc.

— Stephen DiKerby, The Conversation, 29 June 2026
Hopefully, this will help determine whether they’re sparked by an eruption from a single neutron star, or when two of these tiny but massive bodies collide.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 18 June 2026

Definition of neutron star

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“Variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variable. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of variable

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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