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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

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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 For people filling their gas tanks and paying their heating bills, these forecasting uncertainties mean prices are likely to stay high and volatile for some time, even when the fighting stops. — The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026 The price is volatile because of uncertainty about when the war with Iran will allow oil to flow freely again from the Middle East, including access to the Strait of Hormuz. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026 Buyers underwrite predictable margins at higher multiples than volatile ones. — Chris Koras, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026 The index is highly volatile because it is dominated by just two stocks (Samsung and SK Hynix), and Korean retail traders love to trade with leverage. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 27 Sep. 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
  • Replaying that in the oceans would be dangerous and unpredictable.
    — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026
  • As the Satanic Slasher gruesomely hacks his way across the country with the cop in pursuit, his backstory and intentions are parceled out to the viewer piece by piece, until the movie arrives at a completely unpredictable conclusion.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Unlike a recruiting leader, an engineer sees a production system with no architecture, an unreliable supply chain, an unstable line and no-exception handling.
    — Pradeep Prasana Kanagaraj, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Neutrons are unstable when they’re not bound in nuclei, spontaneously spitting out lighter particles in about 15 minutes to become the slightly lighter proton.
    — Cara Giovanetti, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • There’s now a dual-stage air-to-water charge cooler that lowers temperatures from the variable-geometry turbo.
    — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026
  • It is designed for everyday use and has a variable speed trigger with a speed lock to maintain blower outputs.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • Roberts went 36-49 while injuries, roster turnover and inconsistent play undermined the franchise’s rebuilding effort around young talents Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Some manufacturers run their own data groups; others work through third-party aggregators, creating inconsistent landscapes for integrated solutions.
    — Stacey Moser, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 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
  • And Wednesday afternoon will stay unsettled at 75%, with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the upper-70s.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The unsettled first act, full of false starts, feels like an early draft of the play.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • The problem of longevity possesses philosophical and practical contradictions, now heightened by the gradual disappearance of artists of Serra’s generation and the uncertain posthumous legacy of their work.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The project faces uncertain costs, a timeline that could push exports beyond 2028 and possible legal challenges.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 2026.

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