VOLATILE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

volatile

adjective

ˈvä-lə-tᵊl

Definition of volatile

as in unpredictable

likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly a boss of volatile moods is frustrating to work for

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 volatile DeMonica plunges into the volatile Mexican border, where the past never stays buried. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 July 2026 With less guidance from the Fed, financial markets may be set for more volatile trading amid the uncertainty. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Additionally, as PetMD notes, those sprays contain a laundry list of volatile organic compounds that can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea and damage to a cat's internal organs. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 28 July 2026 FedEx Freight has been volatile since its debut, but that isn't unusual for spinoffs early on while the stock finds a dedicated investor base. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for volatile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile

Adjective

The Open Worldwide Application Security Project describes a use-after-free as when a program accesses heap memory after it’s been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior or exploits.

— Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Even while navigating a challenging economic landscape—marked by fluctuating input costs, unpredictable weather and shifting market dynamics—growers are choosing to formalize and voluntarily provide data on their sustainability practices.

— SJ Studio, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Adjective

Also screening is Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Minotaur, another feature from Cannes, following a successful company director called Gleb, who finds himself under siege from mounting corporate pressures and an increasingly unstable world.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026
Federal prosecutors said the men exploited three girls who had run away from foster care, taking advantage of their ages, unstable living situations and lack of family support.

— Eric Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of unstable

Adjective

The second follows in winter through the barn door, because grain is feed, often the largest variable cost in pork, chicken, eggs, milk and beef; those contract highs in Paris are next winter’s feed bills arriving early.

— Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Lydian’s system instead uses reactors and plant components designed specifically for renewable electricity, variable power prices, and smaller modular deployments.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of variable

Adjective

However, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor's inconsistent play, marked by a costly interception, raised concerns.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Similar reports have emerged in Germany and Switzerland, where local media reported that secondhand booksellers received unusual bulk orders for highly specialized books that appeared inconsistent with traditional collecting or resale.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Definition of inconsistent

Adjective

Rigorous, blustery winter; winding sleety spring; hot, moist enervating summer; changeful autumn with its dog-days; these are absolutely unknown.

— San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2023
Hers is the kind of face that inspires directors to tight framing — gleaming, as if smoothed from marble, and yet somehow pliant, changeful.

— Jordan Kisner Jack Davison, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2022

Definition of changeful

Adjective

The pattern looks unsettled into the weekend with spotty rain chances.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026
Boston is likely to kick off the next week with heavy rains on Monday before a single bright spot Tuesday is followed by more potentially unsettled days close out the week, according to National Weather Service forecasts.

— Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsettled

Adjective

All available polling data indicates that the public mood in Russia is growing more uncertain and anxious.

— Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026
But advocates like Amy Behnke, who leads the Health Center Association of Nebraska, said the state's notices were confusing and left many low-income people uncertain if the new rules apply to them.

— Julie Wernau, NPR, 31 July 2026

Definition of uncertain

Browse Nearby Words

voids

volatile

volatileness

See all Nearby Words

Articles Related to volatile

Cite this Entry

Style

“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of volatile

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Ten Painless Ways to Improve Your...

'Volatile': Stable Meanings for a...

You Won't Believe These 10 Words Come...

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on volatile

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

élan

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes