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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

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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 result is a poignant, raw, intimate and compelling portrait of both his electrifying younger brother — who holds the NFL record for most receptions of more than 60 yards (26) — and their volatile and complicated father, Bill. — Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026 When the volatile weather passes, the region will see much cooler temperatures, with highs around 70 degrees on Thursday and a low multiple nights of 53 degrees. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026 The system is designed to help data center operators deploy capacity faster while managing the volatile power demands created by AI computing infrastructure. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026 Combs has both utilized and weaponized his fortune, industry status, and reputation to hide a volatile temper and disturbing behavior for decades. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 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
  • The new prices may also steer customers more toward bundles, which streaming service providers believe lead to fewer cancellations and help Disney manage the unpredictable ads market.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The open Atlantic Ocean presents a different kind of extreme — relentless, unpredictable and constantly changing — and that is exactly where Canada Goose belongs.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Unlike a recruiting leader, an engineer sees a production system with no architecture, an unreliable supply chain, an unstable line and no-exception handling.
    — Pradeep Prasana Kanagaraj, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Neutrons are unstable when they’re not bound in nuclei, spontaneously spitting out lighter particles in about 15 minutes to become the slightly lighter proton.
    — Cara Giovanetti, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • 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
  • It is designed for everyday use and has a variable speed trigger with a speed lock to maintain blower outputs.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • Roberts went 36-49 while injuries, roster turnover and inconsistent play undermined the franchise’s rebuilding effort around young talents Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Some manufacturers run their own data groups; others work through third-party aggregators, creating inconsistent landscapes for integrated solutions.
    — Stacey Moser, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 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
  • And Wednesday afternoon will stay unsettled at 75%, with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the upper-70s.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The unsettled first act, full of false starts, feels like an early draft of the play.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • The storm will likely form near the coast this week, but its track is uncertain.
    — Ben Noll, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The first version is a compact novel-within-a-novel in which this fictional couple is further fictionalized, to an uncertain degree but scandalous effect.
    — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 21 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 28 Sep. 2026.

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