VOLATILE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

volatile

adjective

ˈvä-lə-tᵊl

Definition of volatile

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

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 Shares are off 3% this morning, continuing a volatile stretch for the stock amid AI spending concerns. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 9 July 2026 But at Qualcomm, efforts to diversify the business away from relying too much on the volatile smartphone market have been far more fruitful. — John Kell, Fortune, 8 July 2026 Mothers across America are navigating one of the most turbulent economic climates in recent memory, marked by rising costs and a volatile legislative environment. — Raquel Mitchell, Boston Herald, 8 July 2026 On one side, consumers are squeezed by volatile and erratic surge pricing, which adjusts to reflect spiking demand or dropping supply. — Christopher S. Tang, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for volatile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile

Adjective

Weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable, so impact windows add peace of mind to the perks of improved efficiency and climate control.

— Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Asian powers are increasingly taking steps to gird against an unpredictable former ally in the US and an ambitious regional rival in China.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 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

Exact charge times are still a bit variable, with McMurtry citing anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to go from 20% to 95%, depending on the ambient temperature and the capability of the charger.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026
Hypanus guttatus stood out as the most variable, consistent with its reputation as a generalist that moves across habitats.

— Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of variable

Adjective

Brought in to be Plum’s partner in the backcourt, Atkins has had an inconsistent offensive season, with career-low scoring and shooting numbers.

— Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
The Longhorns were inconsistent last season, finishing 10th in the SEC before ending with an impressive NCAA tournament performance.

— Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 10 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

Supporters suggest these approaches could offer alternative financing structures, while critics note that long-term performance and adoption remain uncertain.

— Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 July 2026
The more proactive, in contrast, would try to steer government R&D toward promising but uncertain conservation experiments.

— Taylor Dotson, Scientific American, 10 July 2026

Definition of uncertain

Browse Nearby Words

voids

volatile

volatileness

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“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of volatile

adjective

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