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
In a volatile year for stocks, Abbott has gained more than 19% year to date.
—
Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Ever since Donald Trump introduced sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries, the stock market has been volatile and the impact to consumers is looming.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 7 May 2025
Oil companies and Democratic leaders in California have for years thrown blame back and forth over the state’s high fuel prices, volatile spikes at the pump and sensitive industry supply lines.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2025
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with these beetles is that the feeding pests cause the affected plant to produce a volatile aromatic scent, which quickly attracts other beetles to the feast.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 8 May 2025
Ever since Donald Trump introduced sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries, the stock market has been volatile and the impact to consumers is looming.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 7 May 2025
Oil companies and Democratic leaders in California have for years thrown blame back and forth over the state’s high fuel prices, volatile spikes at the pump and sensitive industry supply lines.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2025
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with these beetles is that the feeding pests cause the affected plant to produce a volatile aromatic scent, which quickly attracts other beetles to the feast.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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The Outlaw Music Festival touched down Thursday night on the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, California, and Bob Dylan once again delivered a wildly unpredictable set that stunned even his most hardcore fans.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
16 May 2025
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Another plus: The votes were completely unpredictable from week to week, leading to some truly crazy Tribals.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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If parts would collapse in real life, the system identifies the first unstable brick and backtracks, removing it and all subsequent bricks before trying a different approach.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
9 May 2025
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The board’s failure to act courageously sent shockwaves through the organization, resulting in an unstable interim period that unnerved both shareholders and employees.—
Keith D. Dorsey,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Adjective
-
Top features include a 120-Hz native refresh rate, dual HDMI 2.1 inputs for gaming features like VRR (variable refresh rate), and an intuitive Google TV interface.—
Ryan Waniata,
Wired News,
10 May 2025
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All bank savings rates are variable — so will fall if the Fed lowers its benchmark rate later this year.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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Oilers’ power play comes up short The power play has been the Oilers’ bread and butter for so long, but it’s been inconsistent in the playoffs and downright nonexistent on the road.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
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SoftBank’s investment division can be inconsistent, as it is driven by changes in public and private financial markets.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
-
The final outcome of the race, which was the last remaining unsettled election of the 2024 cycle, seemed uncertain for months as Griffin challenged the validity of about 65,000 ballots cast in the race over various issues.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
7 May 2025
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With the global situation becoming more unsettled, for some that was replaced by BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) starting in 2018. Those frameworks are still useful, but these are very different times.—
IESE Business School,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With a decline in visitor numbers and travel dollars, and federal aid nowhere in sight, the future remains uncertain for many in the area.—
Olivia Lee,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2025
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The future remains uncertain and the debate over fairness, inclusion and athlete rights continues.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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