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 CIOs grapple with architectural complexity, volatile costs, and compliance. — Sam Rastogi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Sail 250 has brought foreign militaries to the United States amid a volatile period for the country's international relations. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Her investigation pulls her straight into the orbit of Nico Rojas (Antonio Rosello), Vanguard’s volatile new striker–a gifted underdog with a dangerous past tied to Leo and the club’s powerful owner. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 July 2026 Related Stories Set in 1948 Malaya in the volatile years that followed the end of World War II, the film traces a Malay soldier and a British soldier who are left behind after the British military withdraws. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 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
  • Analysts expect gas prices to continue falling but remain unpredictable due to geopolitical tensions.
    — Keith Laing, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Your personal life could feel crowded, unpredictable and emotionally overwhelming, Scorpio.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Relying on hand tools instead of heavy machinery, firefighters tunneled through unstable debris to rescue a security guard trapped for eight days.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • In an unstable industry with IP, nepotism and maybe even now artificial intelligence ruling supreme, Ridd and Boa have doubled down on emerging filmmakers with original stories.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • In the world of sports, Kelce faces economic factors related to his career longevity, endorsement opportunities, injury risk and variable income tied to his NFL performance.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Wayne Cantwell is a Co-Founder and Managing Director of Decathlon Capital Partners, a leading variable repayment private debt firm.
    — Wayne Cantwell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • Avoid abrupt temperature changes, frequent relocation, and inconsistent watering.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026
  • Broadcasters and platforms needed reliable ways to deliver streams to millions of viewers across inconsistent internet connections.
    — Chris Allen, Forbes.com, 2 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
  • The unsettled conference status for Ursuline is causing the school harm, the complaint contends.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
  • After a stormy Fourth of July weekend, Baltimore will begin the week with unsettled weather as a slow-moving system lingers over the region.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • Harvard Health has taken a critical look at Apollo Neuro, and Medscape has warned about uncertain efficacy in at-home vagus stimulation devices.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
  • At the edge of an uncertain frontier, the founders organized people, knowledge, and governance in a way that could survive the unknown.
    — Ashok N. Srivastava, Fortune, 3 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of volatile for Spanish Speakers

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