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
But a series of smaller and volatile technology stocks are set to report this week and traders expect a wild ride for many.
—
Nick Wells,liz Napolitano, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
This is a tense and volatile arena, and these are some proud and egotistical people.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
After getting through that more volatile period in his life, Springsteen eventually settled down and married actress and model Julianne Phillips in 1985.
—Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Measurements with a handheld meter showed negligible volatile organic compounds (VOCs) escaping from the chamber.
—PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Nick Wells,liz Napolitano, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
This is a tense and volatile arena, and these are some proud and egotistical people.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
After getting through that more volatile period in his life, Springsteen eventually settled down and married actress and model Julianne Phillips in 1985.
—Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Measurements with a handheld meter showed negligible volatile organic compounds (VOCs) escaping from the chamber.
—PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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With unpredictable twists and emotions running high, this Halloween is especially chaotic, and Mutable signs — Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces — can't imagine what's in store.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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Predicting something that has becoming increasingly unpredictable is an impossible task, but here’s a look at how the shutdown could ripple through critical avenues of everyday life.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Tailless designs are inherently unstable, and thrust vectoring can maximize performance across the flight envelope, including at high altitudes, the report noted.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Nov. 2025
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New refugees continue to arrive every day as conditions in South Sudan remain unstable.—
Fatma Tanis,
NPR,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The key was a variable (undulatory) current rather than the on/off pulses of telegraphy.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Oct. 2025
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For example, since most credit cards have a variable rate, there’s a direct connection to the federal funds rate.—
Christina Cheddar Berk,
CNBC,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This is all so inconsistent and bizarre.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
3 Nov. 2025
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The punt unit has been inconsistent at best, and the return units are costing Michigan field position every week.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
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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In an unsettled nation eager for diversion, news of the escape went viral.—
Ava Kofman,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
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Jackson looked unsettled in the first half.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The timeline for when China’s two sixth-generation fighters began secret testing prior to their sightings last year remains uncertain.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Nov. 2025
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Guerrero’s status with the Blue Jays was uncertain going into the 2025 season.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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