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
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Recent Examples of volatile
Paired with a volatile cellmate, Troy is forced to deal with daily threats and power struggles.
—
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2026
The knockout format adds another layer of pressure, forcing competitors to balance aggression with control while navigating traffic at high speeds, making snowboard cross one of the Games’ most volatile and dramatic events.
—Zach Powell, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Otherwise, the way race would factor into their volatile friendship is never explored.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
From tiny proto‑dinosaurs like Marasuchus to giants like Plateosaurus and Mamenchisaurus, 'The Dinosaurs' runs the gamut, illustrating how dinosaurs evolved across millennia in response to a volatile world.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2026
The knockout format adds another layer of pressure, forcing competitors to balance aggression with control while navigating traffic at high speeds, making snowboard cross one of the Games’ most volatile and dramatic events.
—Zach Powell, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Otherwise, the way race would factor into their volatile friendship is never explored.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026
From tiny proto‑dinosaurs like Marasuchus to giants like Plateosaurus and Mamenchisaurus, 'The Dinosaurs' runs the gamut, illustrating how dinosaurs evolved across millennia in response to a volatile world.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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In today's environment, where inflation pressures haven't fully disappeared and energy costs remain unpredictable, different silver miners can react very differently to the same silver price move.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
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Trump remains unpredictable, though, and eager to seek retribution.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And, as predicted, the blizzard arrived, delivering blankets of unstable powder.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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The storm arrived as predicted and by Tuesday morning had dumped several feet of fresh, unstable snow.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Unlike previous approaches to non-line-of-sight (NLOS) perception that rely on visible light, HoloRadar works reliably in darkness and under variable lighting conditions.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
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The interest-earning potential of a high-yield savings account is difficult to determine with accuracy as the account employs a variable interest rate that will rise or fall (or stabilize) based on market conditions.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That approach is inconsistent with Texas law and unfair to taxpayers.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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Tagovailoa got benched last year because of his inconsistent performance and lack of velocity on his throws.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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The National Weather Service's San Francisco office said in its daily forecast discussion that conditions will stay unsettled into the weekend, with another round of rain and wind likely, and the coldest nights expected late Thursday into Friday morning.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
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Meanwhile, on the business side of the operation, the Valkyries are operating as if the season — set to open May 8 in Seattle — will proceed, even as rules and dates for an expansion draft, free agency and the college draft remain unsettled.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But like the British wartime leader who also led his country’s fight against a bigger, more powerful enemy, Zelensky has made missteps along the way and his future looks increasingly uncertain as the war grinds on.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Husband cleared, but path forward uncertain Judge Barry Wood of Idaho’s 5th Judicial District granted the defense’s alternative perpetrator theory for trial in a November 2025 order.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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