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 The Times interviewed several of his former partners, three of whom described him as volatile. — Jasper Craven, New Yorker, 24 July 2026 Managing Separations With Compassion A lesson that can only be learned through real-world HR experience is the human reality of an unexpected separation, which can be highly volatile. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 More changes may be underway for this volatile environment for saves all season. — Greg Jewett, New York Times, 23 July 2026 The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged Thursday amid uncertainty about how volatile energy prices will affect inflation. — ABC News, 23 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
  • These maps account for a range of variables, including cargo-shipping routes, surface currents, wind patterns, and the unpredictable drift of objects at sea.
    — Alexander Klose, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
  • Much of Crown Center is indoors or covered, which is a big plus for when weather becomes unpredictable.
    — Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Ghosh is right to argue that naturalistic narratives are not up to the urgent task of depicting our unstable moment.
    — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • Criminals and dangerously unstable individuals who illegally obtain firearms are.
    — Eric "Doc" Stelnicki, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • The approach aims to improve flexibility in manufacturing while making robotic automation more practical for complex, variable production environments.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
  • Both screens run at a variable refresh rate of 120Hz and reach their brightest yet at 3,200 nits.
    — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • Sacramento County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the suspicious death of a 66-year-old woman after she was taken to a local hospital with injuries that appeared inconsistent with a natural death, the agency announced Friday.
    — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
  • As a tool, the AQI is inconsistent overall—its forecasts can be slow and imprecise, and its particulars don’t always have a bearing on direct experience.
    — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 24 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
  • For centuries, certain pieces of royal jewelry have both fascinated and unsettled people.
    — Eliza Prosperini, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026
  • The rest of the week remains unsettled, so keep an eye on changing weather conditions and stay updated for possible advisories.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 12 July 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • Given the uncertain outcomes the Fed needs to think less in terms of linear economic curves and more probabilistically, in which case the potential upside for inflation given an energy price spike could warrant quicker action.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • Still, officials emphasized that the CSU would have to be fiscally disciplined given that the state will have a new governor in January and the state’s budget outlook is uncertain.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 24 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 26 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of volatile for Spanish Speakers

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