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 Payoneer said for Etsy sellers operating in volatile markets, the partnership is essential. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026 Offshore, the more volatile side of the business, will not turn a profit in 2026. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026 The team discovered that gas formation is driven by volatile oxygen reactions during charge cycles. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026 In volatile environments, effectiveness can mean limiting how often change interrupts execution. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 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
  • Conflict in mining regions, disputed licenses, slow permitting, and unpredictable enforcement have long deterred Western investors, while Chinese operators have been better able to absorb those risks.
    — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Long Tiddie Short Story is unmistakably her — honest, unpredictable and incredibly funny.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Oct. 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
  • Unlike traditional software licenses or cloud infrastructure, AI costs are highly variable and influenced by multiple dynamic factors.
    — Sudipto Dasgupta, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • One Medical Group provider Erica Matluck ND, NP, told VICE that genetic makeup determines both enzyme activity and the healthy bacteria living on the skin, so the relationship between specific foods and odor can be quite variable.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 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
  • 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
  • Exactly how far south the aurora might appear remains uncertain and depends on how the incoming CMEs interact with Earth's magnetic field.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • While companies often look to make supply-chain adjustments in the face of tariffs, that really hasn’t happened because the trade landscape is too uncertain to make long-term adjustments.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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