VOLATILE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

volatile

adjective

ˈvä-lə-tᵊl

Definition of volatile

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 Shares are off 3% this morning, continuing a volatile stretch for the stock amid AI spending concerns. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 9 July 2026 But at Qualcomm, efforts to diversify the business away from relying too much on the volatile smartphone market have been far more fruitful. — John Kell, Fortune, 8 July 2026 Mothers across America are navigating one of the most turbulent economic climates in recent memory, marked by rising costs and a volatile legislative environment. — Raquel Mitchell, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026 On one side, consumers are squeezed by volatile and erratic surge pricing, which adjusts to reflect spiking demand or dropping supply. — Christopher S. Tang, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for volatile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile

Adjective

Weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable, so impact windows add peace of mind to the perks of improved efficiency and climate control.

— Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Asian powers are increasingly taking steps to gird against an unpredictable former ally in the US and an ambitious regional rival in China.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Adjective

In the first half of the album, Dean explores unstable characters—bearing some resemblance, perhaps, to their indie-sleaze peers—with both second-hand embarrassment and fascination.

— Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
Rhaenyra, queen of the Blacks, seizes the Iron Throne in King’s Landing with the support of Alicent, who has simply had enough of her unstable and terrible sons.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026

Definition of unstable

Adjective

Exact charge times are still a bit variable, with McMurtry citing anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to go from 20% to 95%, depending on the ambient temperature and the capability of the charger.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026
Hypanus guttatus stood out as the most variable, consistent with its reputation as a generalist that moves across habitats.

— Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of variable

Adjective

Brought in to be Plum’s partner in the backcourt, Atkins has had an inconsistent offensive season, with career-low scoring and shooting numbers.

— Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
The Longhorns were inconsistent last season, finishing 10th in the SEC before ending with an impressive NCAA tournament performance.

— Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 10 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

That should make Earth’s magnetic field more disturbed than usual, with mostly unsettled or active conditions and a chance of brief G1 geomagnetic storms.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
The lack of regulation and the unsettled law surrounding prediction markets have raised serious concerns on Capitol Hill.

— Luke Garrett, NPR, 9 July 2026

Definition of unsettled

Adjective

Supporters suggest these approaches could offer alternative financing structures, while critics note that long-term performance and adoption remain uncertain.

— Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 July 2026
The more proactive, in contrast, would try to steer government R&D toward promising but uncertain conservation experiments.

— Taylor Dotson, Scientific American, 10 July 2026

Definition of uncertain

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voids

volatile

volatileness

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“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of volatile

adjective

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