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

One Medical Group provider Erica Matluck ND, NP, told VICE that genetic makeup determines both enzyme activity and the healthy bacteria living on the skin, so the relationship between specific foods and odor can be quite variable. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 According to a recent Payscale report, more than 80% of companies currently use some form of variable pay to compensate their workers. — Harvard Business Review, 5 Oct. 2026

Noun

In an algebraic equation, however, that number may be replaced with a variable—typically a letter—that can, for example, stand in for how many apples, under such and such conditions, there will be in the future. — Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026 The woman who moved through unfamiliar cities alone without overthinking every variable. — Stefanie Benjamin, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variable

Adjective

The suspension up the front is a set of fully adjustable KYB 43mm USD forks, and there’s a fully adjustable KYB monoshock on the rear bolted to a single-sided swingarm.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026
Some keys had adjustable bits so that the shape could be altered at any time.

— Shayla Love, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

Together, the tools could help accelerate the development of more resilient electric motor systems while reducing the risks associated with critical material shortages, volatile supply chains and rapidly changing global markets.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Daily crude flows are very volatile, with only 3 million barrels of crude transiting Hormuz on Monday while 6 million barrels passed through the strait on Friday, according to Kpler.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 14 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

Rather than simply copying that, but with a slab of batteries under the cabin, the Fiat Multiplay explores the idea of a vehicle that’s adaptable, transforming from a three-row people carrier to a pickup.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
Its adaptable architecture supports missions including tactical logistics, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, communications support and other mission-critical applications.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

Jeff Shields, a spokesperson for PJM, said electricity demand is growing faster than new generating capacity can come online, while unpredictable weather is leaving fewer opportunities for critical maintenance and construction.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Loos, who was thirty-one, was known to express displeasure in hot and angry bursts and could be unpredictable.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Noun

Cosmic death The unnamed exoplanet was discovered circling the white dwarf HS 0209+0832, according to a study published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

— Devika Rao, TheWeek, 9 Oct. 2026
Williams and his colleagues observed a white dwarf that showed some unusual chemical signatures, including zinc, copper and niobium.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of white dwarf

Adjective

With shifting tariff rules and trade policies, merchants need to stay flexible to handle sudden political and financial changes.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
To surmount the issue, Apple routed a flexible graphite pipe through the hinge itself to transfer heat between the two halves, thereby increasing the surface area available for heat dissipation.

— Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of flexible

Noun

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
Geese did something similar with last year’s Getting Killed, their own neutron star of an album, gobbling up the tangled lineages of rock, punk, and drone music in New York City with the ravenous appetites of kids weaned on the infinite scroll.

— Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of variable

adjective

noun

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