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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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 Oil prices have been volatile amid mixed messages about a potential US-Iran deal. — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 Electrified systems minimize exposure to volatile fuel markets, integrate renewables, and enable continuous monitoring, critically reducing downtime—a top priority for 96% of firms. — Tim Walsh, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Best known for his role as volatile Pierpoint trader Rishi Ramdani in Industry, a series set in the cutthroat world of London finance, Radia was previously seen in the ITV medical drama The Good Karma Hospital. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026 Tests can look for volatile organic compounds, bacteria and, in some cases, semi-volatile compounds and metals. — Andrew J. Whelton, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 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
  • Some have been Ukrainian drones knocked off course by Russian electronic warfare, such as the jamming of navigation signals, which can make their flight paths unpredictable and complicate decisions about whether and where to shoot them down.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Carefully evaluate both options, then, before making a final decision and don't discount the advantages of splitting your funds between both account types, which may be your best recourse in today's still uneven and unpredictable economic terrain.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • At the same time, categorical funding can be unstable from year to year due to changing priorities and how much money the state has to appropriate.
    — Jason Burns, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Inside a fusion machine, the plasma can reach temperatures hotter than the Sun’s core while powerful magnetic fields squeeze it into a tiny, unstable space.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • The power of variable ratio reinforcement attracts and retains gamblers in a way blackjack, roulette, or craps do not.
    — Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Winds will be light and variable becoming east-southeast at 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon.
    — Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • Out wide, Oscar Bobb and Kevin, both 23, will compete for starting roles after inconsistent debut campaigns at Craven Cottage.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • That results in inconsistent yields and increasingly low groundwater levels.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 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 could remain a little unsettled into the weekend, but confidence in rain chances remains low.
    — Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The volume was another big shift, too, as Simpson has had a strikingly low number of reps in training camp despite the unsettled nature of the Rams’ backup quarterback position after Jimmy Garoppolo’s departure.
    — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • While the exact timing and intensity of the impacts are still uncertain and will ultimately depend on how close Lala tracks to the Hawaiian islands, heavy rain, strong winds and rough surf impacts are likely this weekend.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Why would a promising young researcher accept a faculty offer of $120,000 with uncertain employment prospects when a technology company or defense contractor offers $180,000 on the first day?
    — Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncertain

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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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of volatile for Spanish Speakers

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