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 In contrast, the value of Musk's contribution will depend on SpaceX's often volatile share performance. — Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026 Oil is flowing out of the Middle East despite the volatile situation. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 The spiraling conflict is now the most volatile front in the regional conflagration set off when the United States and Israel attacked Iran in late February. — Elahe Izadi, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026 As the war in Iran has shown, exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets can harm overreliant economies. — Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 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
  • Holy Cross and the Lower Ninth Ward that borders it are known for their quiet ambiance, grocery store deserts, and drawbridge access with unpredictable hours.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Frost leaves orchard with few apples to harvest The unpredictable weather has forced the farm to adjust to get through the season.
    — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Since Oppenheim and Fielder can’t record her there, their contact is mediated through her seemingly unstable and controlling husband, Billy Evans.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Lycopene can help protect blood vessels from the damaging effects of unstable molecules known as free radicals.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 17 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
  • More problematic was the character’s heritage; he’s supposed to be half-English and half-Paraguayan, and to say Gere’s accent is inconsistent would be charitable.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The Packers have been inconsistent but should be able to handle their business at home.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 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
  • The opening-night depth chart remains unsettled, and Brown’s return will make the competition more complicated.
    — C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Chance of showers, thunderstorms increases Thursday Our weather pattern becomes more unsettled as the upper-level trough advances eastward.
    — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • Those assumptions can be quite uncertain when designing an entirely new study.
    — Mark Louie F. Ramos, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Specialists recommend seeking a second opinion from a neurologist who specializes in MS when a diagnosis is uncertain, particularly before starting medications that affect the immune system.
    — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 21 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 22 Oct. 2026.

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