as in unpredictable
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
a boss of volatile moods is frustrating to work for
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of volatile
Volatility as a Factor in Strategic Planning Bitcoin is highly volatile, often showing sudden price swings and quick changes within the same day.
—
Felysha Walker, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
Rates are likely to remain elevated – and volatile – as long as hostilities in the Middle East continue.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
The comet likely slowed to the point of almost stopping entirely before volatile activity at its surface forced it to spin in the opposite direction, the researchers suggest of the odd behavior.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Relievers are volatile, but these two have proven consistent high-end performers.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Felysha Walker, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
Rates are likely to remain elevated – and volatile – as long as hostilities in the Middle East continue.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
The comet likely slowed to the point of almost stopping entirely before volatile activity at its surface forced it to spin in the opposite direction, the researchers suggest of the odd behavior.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Relievers are volatile, but these two have proven consistent high-end performers.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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Prices are subject to rapid, unpredictable changes due to factors like, but not limited to, supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Air travelers are paying the price of the shutdown with unpredictable, snaking TSA lines at airports across the country, jeopardizing their chances to pass through security on time for their flights.—
Graham Hurley,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Weak—or even nonexistent—overnight freezes have left the snowpack soft and unstable early in the day, limiting the window for safe travel.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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But sometime between 100 million and 200 million years ago, the moon's orbit became unstable, and a series of gravitational interactions sent Chrysalis on a fatal, grazing encounter with Saturn.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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For brands, variable changes tied to product design and material choices could create financial incentives to reduce environmental impact.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
30 Mar. 2026
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APRs for variable-rate loans may increase after origination if the SOFR index increases.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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For the first half on Friday night, Angel City Football Club was turning in one of those inconsistent performances that Coach Alex Straus expected would happen this season with a young team.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
28 Mar. 2026
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As is often the case for 23-year-olds pushed into large roles, Podziemski has been inconsistent.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Overall, across the West, unsettled weather is expected early in the month, NOAA's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) said.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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However, forecast models indicate a more unsettled pattern may develop next week, likely mid- to late week, so conditions could change.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Houston Chronicle,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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For now, hundreds of families remain in limbo, facing a looming deadline and an uncertain future.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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And much remains uncertain about how AI will reshape entry-level job opportunities.—
Jerry Balentine,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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