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 But the Middle East is a volatile place to invest right now, and there are big anti-Israel divestment campaigns at some US institutions. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Hirose, who also writes and edits, has constructed a brilliantly volatile scenario, vulnerable to any number of potentially explosive and destructive dramatic developments. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 But Leonard meets Michelle (Paltrow), the beautiful but volatile mistress of a wealthy married man who has recently moved into an apartment in his family’s building. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026 Douglas details his volatile relationship with his late father, Kirk Douglas, his son Cameron’s addiction and imprisonment and the Stage 4 cancer diagnosis that forced him to confront his own mortality. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 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
  • Jeff Shields, a spokesperson for PJM, said electricity demand is growing faster than new generating capacity can come online, while unpredictable weather is leaving fewer opportunities for critical maintenance and construction.
    — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Loos, who was thirty-one, was known to express displeasure in hot and angry bursts and could be unpredictable.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Numerous tornado warnings were also issued for parts of South Carolina and Georgia as the remnants of Isaias move northward and help create supercells of rain and unstable air, according to National Weather Service alerts and forecasts.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The changes produce new attractors that correspond to stable cell types in the low-lying valleys; unstable gene-activity configurations constitute the high ground.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • Generally, experts are wary of universally screening men for low testosterone because testosterone measurements can be highly variable—and unhelpful.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Inverter air conditioners use a variable-speed compressor that is typically quieter and uses less power than a traditional AC.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • Quarterback LaNorris Sellers, receiver Nyck Harbor and defensive end Dylan Stewart are rare specimens, yet each has been inconsistent and unreliable.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Alexa Plus is still inconsistent at executing more complicated requests.
    — Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 8 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
  • Though their eligibility battles remain unsettled, both players took part in Thursday’s 45-minute open practice at Allen Fieldhouse as full-fledged members of KU’s 2026-27 team.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The unsettled part is what that answer still permits anyone to ask.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • Called Motor Decide, the tool is designed to help industries evaluate electric motor technologies and make informed decisions under uncertain market conditions.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
  • These industry changes come at an uncertain time as artificial intelligence encroaches on the creative field and consumers are turning to social media platforms for music consumption and discovery.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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