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
  • Water essentially acts as a catalyst that spontaneously creates particles known as hydroxyl radicals, unstable molecules linked to aging and disease.
    — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • If a tree appears diseased, unstable or at risk of falling, consider documenting the problem and notifying the owner in writing.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • Whether the trade works or not comes down to the same variable everything else in AI comes down to.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • When variable interest rates make payments unpredictable HELOCs typically have variable interest rates, meaning borrowing costs can change over time.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • This time around, both teams are coming in after inconsistent regular seasons, but both have been much better over the last five weeks.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The association with the Human Rights Campaign could create more confusion about Talarico’s stance on the medical issue, as his position has come into question through his inconsistent comments.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 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
  • However, the lack of a hybrid option, the touchscreen-heavy climate controls, and the occasionally unsettled ride prevent the Atlas from separating itself from the pack.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • But instead of bringing unsettled weather, the offshore storm helped produce cloud-free skies from Maine to Florida.
    — Washington Post, Washington Post, 22 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 25 Oct. 2026.

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