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 For people filling their gas tanks and paying their heating bills, these forecasting uncertainties mean prices are likely to stay high and volatile for some time, even when the fighting stops. — The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026 The price is volatile because of uncertainty about when the war with Iran will allow oil to flow freely again from the Middle East, including access to the Strait of Hormuz. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026 Buyers underwrite predictable margins at higher multiples than volatile ones. — Chris Koras, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026 The index is highly volatile because it is dominated by just two stocks (Samsung and SK Hynix), and Korean retail traders love to trade with leverage. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 27 Sep. 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
  • Replaying that in the oceans would be dangerous and unpredictable.
    — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026
  • As the Satanic Slasher gruesomely hacks his way across the country with the cop in pursuit, his backstory and intentions are parceled out to the viewer piece by piece, until the movie arrives at a completely unpredictable conclusion.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Climate scientists say as temperatures rise ⁠glaciers in the Himalayas retreat, leaving behind unstable glacial lakes held back by little more than loose rock and ice, above valleys home to millions.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Volcanoes National Park urged visitors to keep their distance from the unstable cliff edges to avoid putting themselves, or first responders, in danger.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • As far as tech goes, the 377-footer has a trio of 900 kW variable-speed permanent-magnet generators running on HVO with fuel cells and a 5 MWh battery pack.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026
  • There’s now a dual-stage air-to-water charge cooler that lowers temperatures from the variable-geometry turbo.
    — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • Even the actors’ bodies exhibit the bland greige produced by the high dynamic range of digital cameras and are flattened by the inconsistent lighting that comes from overuse of green screens.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In Finance​ Give agentic AI fragmented data, inconsistent processes or unclear ownership, and those weaknesses become part of how the technology operates.
    — Ari Widlansky, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 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
  • But key details of the new Medi-Cal requirements remained unsettled.
    — JOSÉ LUIS VILLEGAS, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Why the Fourth Amendment matters The law remains unsettled on ALPR use.
    — Henry F. Fradella, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • The problem of longevity possesses philosophical and practical contradictions, now heightened by the gradual disappearance of artists of Serra’s generation and the uncertain posthumous legacy of their work.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The project faces uncertain costs, a timeline that could push exports beyond 2028 and possible legal challenges.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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