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
The story follows Julia, an ambitious game designer, and Charlie, a struggling musician, who are at a loss for how to repair their volatile relationship.
—
Brent Lang, Variety, 1 May 2026
The set feels less like a ’90s living room than a cozy villain’s lair, warm but volatile (and easily set ablaze).
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2026
Oil companies sometimes take such financial positions to lock in a buyer at a minimum price and avoid pain from potentially volatile price drops.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 1 May 2026
However, the relationship remained volatile, and rumors of infidelity persisted.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Brent Lang, Variety, 1 May 2026
The set feels less like a ’90s living room than a cozy villain’s lair, warm but volatile (and easily set ablaze).
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2026
Oil companies sometimes take such financial positions to lock in a buyer at a minimum price and avoid pain from potentially volatile price drops.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 1 May 2026
However, the relationship remained volatile, and rumors of infidelity persisted.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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Known for his unpredictable, edgy behavior and fiery personality, Gritty has expanded the traditional boundaries of what a sports team mascot can be or do.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
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Special legislative sessions are unpredictable, and people on both sides say the Florida fight is far from over, with mistrust of the medical establishment still running high after the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Kerry Sheridan,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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An unstable ice block delayed Mount Everest’s climbing season until late April, yet around 464 climbers and their guides remain determined despite the danger and soaring permit costs.—
Binaj Gurubacharya,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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While mixtures of two or three metals were messy and unstable, the five-metal combination paradoxically self-organized into a single, uniform product, streamlining 31 possible chemical outcomes into a single, precise nanocrystal.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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That said, a HELOC has a variable rate that will adapt to market conditions each month, so some variability will need to be priced into any long-term cost projections.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
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While the interest rates on federal student loans are fixed, many private student loans have variable rates that fluctuate over time, said Nancy Nierman, assistant director at EDCAP.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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New York outscored Atlanta by roughly 20 points per 100 possessions with Robinson on the floor — yet minutes were inconsistent.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
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Clegg was Plascencia’s understudy and the favorite to win the job this season, but was inconsistent throughout the spring.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 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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Saturday will be the more unsettled weather day.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
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Among those who have chosen a candidate, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass leads with 25%, followed by Pratt at 11%, and Raman at 9%, underscoring just how unsettled the race remains.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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The team now plans to further refine the method for broader industrial applications where robots must operate under uncertain or changing conditions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
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In March, Beijing set its lowest growth target in decades, as the world’s second-largest economy grapples with weak domestic demand and an uncertain global outlook.—
Sylvie Zhuang,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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