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

Unlike traditional software, where the cost of running a task is relatively predictable, agents can take different paths to the same result, making costs highly variable. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 According to Tianmushan Laboratory, future versions will require a variable-cycle propulsion system capable of supporting both supersonic and subsonic flight efficiently. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026

Noun

Roberts also said alternating between right- and left-handers was not a variable. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026 Noting the still-pending $110 billion merger with Warner Bros Discovery as a key variable, the company said in an SEC filing that the date of the shift could be subject to change. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variable

Adjective

The vanilla satin upper features a T-strap design and a slim strap accenting the ankle with an adjustable buckle.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Acoustic noise-dampening panels compliment the design, while fully-adjustable, electric standing desks make working or in-room dining comfortable.

— Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

For some investors, the volatile situation is leading to a more intent focus on core balance sheet metrics led by free cash flow, which measures the cash left over after expenses, interest, taxes and long-term investments.

— Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
Goods would become more expensive and supply chains more volatile and prone to disruption.

— Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 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

That modular approach is intended to keep ROMULUS adaptable as the Navy’s requirements and operating environments evolve.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
Without structured organizational support, even the most capable and adaptable employees will face limits.

— Christine Muldoon, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

Replaying that in the oceans would be dangerous and unpredictable.

— Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026
As the Satanic Slasher gruesomely hacks his way across the country with the cop in pursuit, his backstory and intentions are parceled out to the viewer piece by piece, until the movie arrives at a completely unpredictable conclusion.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Adjective

Researchers fabricated the devices on 4-inch wafers as well as flexible substrates, potentially making the architecture suitable for electronics that need to conform to non-flat surfaces.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
The building was collaboratively designed by architecture firms SmithGroup and G&A, and creates more flexible spaces for exhibitions, research, and public interaction.

— News Desk, Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of flexible

Noun

The same happens with a newborn neutron star but on a much grander scale; some pulsars have been measured to spin in excess of 700 times per second.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Answering that question would allow astrophysicists to address other mysteries, such as the precise threshold where a neutron star will collapse to form a black hole.

— Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of neutron star

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“Variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variable. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of variable

adjective

noun

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