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 Oil prices have been volatile amid mixed messages about a potential US-Iran deal. — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 Electrified systems minimize exposure to volatile fuel markets, integrate renewables, and enable continuous monitoring, critically reducing downtime—a top priority for 96% of firms. — Tim Walsh, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Best known for his role as volatile Pierpoint trader Rishi Ramdani in Industry, a series set in the cutthroat world of London finance, Radia was previously seen in the ITV medical drama The Good Karma Hospital. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026 Tests can look for volatile organic compounds, bacteria and, in some cases, semi-volatile compounds and metals. — Andrew J. Whelton, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 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
  • Some have been Ukrainian drones knocked off course by Russian electronic warfare, such as the jamming of navigation signals, which can make their flight paths unpredictable and complicate decisions about whether and where to shoot them down.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Carefully evaluate both options, then, before making a final decision and don't discount the advantages of splitting your funds between both account types, which may be your best recourse in today's still uneven and unpredictable economic terrain.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • No one sees exactly what happened, and the only witness, a mentally unstable man, gives conflicting accounts that deepen the uncertainty.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Events plod forward, one after the other, and although Michael Shaeffer is a thoroughly compelling presence as the cruel and chronically unstable monarch Aerys, other performances seem nuance-free.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • The power of variable ratio reinforcement attracts and retains gamblers in a way blackjack, roulette, or craps do not.
    — Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Winds will be light and variable becoming east-southeast at 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon.
    — Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • Out wide, Oscar Bobb and Kevin, both 23, will compete for starting roles after inconsistent debut campaigns at Craven Cottage.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • That results in inconsistent yields and increasingly low groundwater levels.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 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
  • Tuesday's Michigan Democratic Senate primary race remains unsettled, with progressive Abdul El-Sayed holding onto a narrow lead over moderate Haley Stevens with votes still being counted.
    — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The weekend’s weather still looks unsettled with more chances for rain.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • While the exact timing and intensity of the impacts are still uncertain and will ultimately depend on how close Lala tracks to the Hawaiian islands, heavy rain, strong winds and rough surf impacts are likely this weekend.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Why would a promising young researcher accept a faculty offer of $120,000 with uncertain employment prospects when a technology company or defense contractor offers $180,000 on the first day?
    — Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncertain

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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 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of volatile for Spanish Speakers

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