volatile

adjective

ˈvä-lə-tᵊl How to pronounce volatile (audio)
Definition of volatilenext
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

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 Those in opposition believe the amendment would cancel California's tax rebates and make the state's budget more volatile. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 Hardwick makes Cassius Senior volatile but wounded, with Gourrier centering Odessa’s fierce devotion and pride. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026 And party insiders blame Trump’s tariffs and war with Iran for creating a volatile Senate map that has left seats in red states like Nebraska and Kansas vulnerable. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026 Technology stocks have been volatile as investors worry that the AI buildup may prove to be a bubble. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
  1. unpredictable
  2. unstable
  3. variable
  4. inconsistent
  5. changeful
  6. unsettled
  7. uncertain
Adjective
  • Climbing precarious and unpredictable steps really tests some important mechanics as the technology develops – including balance, real-time decision-making and adaptation.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The tightest, most unpredictable race in Illinois this year may actually be the race for Chicago School Board President.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • The glow of many Turners has dwindled, thanks to unstable pigments, but here is an immaculate exception.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026
  • And while unstable coalitions repeatedly fused and dissolved in the halls of power, outside these halls pipes burst and roads crumbled.
    — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • Qnity will produce technology for the new variable aperture in the iPhone 18 Pro camera system.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The variable camshaft timing solenoids were caked with spent bearing debris; removing the timing chain cover revealed a pool of silvery gunk that collected at the bottom; and the oil pan is shinier than a spoon in the sun.
    — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • The problems — an inconsistent pass rush, short-yardage struggles and too many penalties — have been glaring.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But Maryland’s climate goals have been ambiguous and inconsistent.
    — Alex Pavlak, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 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
  • Over the next several days, plan on more fall weather ahead of a colder, more unsettled end to the coming workweek.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • His eligibility case remains unsettled, as Sane signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz in 2024 but never appeared in an NBA game.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • However, while return on investment for artificial intelligence remains uncertain, rising depreciation expenses from new data center buildouts present an additional drag on corporate profitability.
    — , CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • An uncertain state holiday In early 2025, Assemblymembers Ash Kalra, D-San Jose, and Darshana Patel, D-San Diego, introduced AB 268, also known as the Diwali Holiday Act.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of uncertain

Browse Nearby Words

voids
volatile
volatileness
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Cite this Entry

“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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