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 clergyman warned, however, that failure to do so would jeopardize the future of Iran and the stability of the entire Middle East, unleashing an even more volatile and repressive Tehran government in the war’s wake.
—
Angie Leventis Lourgos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
But Sacramento’s housing market, though still cheaper than San Francisco or San Jose, is still volatile.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Gold's price has been volatile since hitting its latest peak and has pulled back sharply overall.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Stocks were volatile, with major indexes plunging early in the day before moving higher at the close on shifting headlines about the war in the Middle East.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Angie Leventis Lourgos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
But Sacramento’s housing market, though still cheaper than San Francisco or San Jose, is still volatile.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Gold's price has been volatile since hitting its latest peak and has pulled back sharply overall.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Stocks were volatile, with major indexes plunging early in the day before moving higher at the close on shifting headlines about the war in the Middle East.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
-
Special election turnout is unpredictable, but Harris' overperformance in Georgia tonight fits into broader narratives about Democrats' chances in the midterms, especially if the war in Iran continues on and gas prices for Americans continue to rise.—
Halle Troadec,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
That matters because real homes are messy and unpredictable.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Thompson said the seven-story parking garage is unstable, and the search for the two missing workers will take time.—
Tom Dougherty,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
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In contrast, this novel method depends on the path a quantum system takes rather than on unstable external factors.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Peak bloom is typically expected each year in late March and early April, but those dates are variable.—
Adele Chapin,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Dichroic refers to the Greek word dikhroos, meaning two-colored—this type of glass can refract different colors depending on the variable lighting conditions throughout the day.—
Ludovica Stevan,
Architectural Digest,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The veteran forward spent the previous 3 1/2 seasons with the Ducks, but struggled to produce during inconsistent playing time from Quenneville before his departure at the deadline.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
After an inconsistent season as a pitcher last spring, Gluting is ready to break out in that aspect of the game as well.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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
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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
-
Despite mortgage rates rising above 6 percent, unsettled financial markets, and nearly 10 percent more new inventory since February, buyers stayed confident, according to the March report from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2026
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The unsettled pattern will linger on Tuesday, bringing additional rounds of rain and mild temperatures.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That puts them at the forefront of an asset class that is looking uncertain, although their overall exposure is still relatively small compared to their vast holdings.—
Kelsey Warner,
semafor.com,
9 Apr. 2026
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Law enforcement officers are often forced to make split-second decisions in uncertain circumstances.—
Jim Cook,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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