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 Now that’ll be very volatile for the two-year note, but the 10-year note will have less volatility. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 July 2026 Experts have warned that this period of gradually unlocking stocks could be considerably volatile— which isn’t exactly reassuring, given the company’s recent performance. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 16 July 2026 Gone were the shiny, artificial fiber bedsheets and glossy walls, swapped out for natural fibers and zero volatile-organic-compound lime paint; this instantly reduced off-gassing, chemicals leaking into the air as interior pollutants. — Mark Ellwood, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026 In late May, about 50,000 people in Orange County were evacuated because, at a Garden Grove site operated by GKN Aerospace, tanks holding a volatile hazardous chemical called methyl methacrylate were at risk of exploding or leaking toxics. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 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
  • The ensemble drama traces the unpredictable shape of grief and family dynamics, aiming for an emotionally candid portrait of loss and the ties that hold communities together.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • In an increasingly unpredictable business environment, executives seek control over their biology through peptides, promising faster recovery and improved performance.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • In the first half of the album, Dean explores unstable characters—bearing some resemblance, perhaps, to their indie-sleaze peers—with both second-hand embarrassment and fascination.
    — Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
  • Rhaenyra, queen of the Blacks, seizes the Iron Throne in King’s Landing with the support of Alicent, who has simply had enough of her unstable and terrible sons.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • The same reporting notes that phytoestrogen supplements may deliver only 10% to 20% symptom reduction in certain use cases a modest and variable payoff that helps explain why women keep experimenting rather than settling on one product.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • After the promo period ends, the account reverts to E*TRADE's standard variable APY.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • What the lawsuit alleges The lawsuit alleges violations of the California Environmental Quality Act and that the project is inconsistent with the county’s general plan.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • The challenge arises when founders pursue goals that are inconsistent with their personal values or definition of success.
    — Nadia AlShomali, Forbes.com, 17 July 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
  • That should make Earth’s magnetic field more disturbed than usual, with mostly unsettled or active conditions and a chance of brief G1 geomagnetic storms.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The lack of regulation and the unsettled law surrounding prediction markets have raised serious concerns on Capitol Hill.
    — Luke Garrett, NPR, 9 July 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • From premium pet food to medical care Whether GLP-1 drugs eventually become commonplace in veterinary medicine remains uncertain.
    — Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
  • The young Brits' last year in secondary school finds Charlie starting a pride club, Nick worrying about an uncertain future, and both considering the impact of long-distance love.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 July 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of volatile for Spanish Speakers

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