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 But those constraints can also encourage creative risk-taking, resulting in intimate character studies, groundbreaking animation and documentaries that tackle volatile subjects with remarkable economy. — Karen Idelson, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026 Shorter hydrocarbons were more volatile and functioned as airborne chemical signals. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026 Secret Service Director Sean Curran said the arrest highlights the agents’ training and aim to de-escalte volatile situations. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2026 Their uptake has accelerated since the Hormuz crisis began, as people around the world seek to protect themselves from volatile fuel prices. — Laurence Tubiana, Time, 6 Nov. 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
  • Perhaps the arrival of fall and winter, and with it rougher and more unpredictable seas, will reduce the flow.
    — Pedro Portal, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Potential applications include manufacturing, space exploration and search-and-rescue missions, where robots may need to navigate unpredictable environments, manipulate objects and adapt to changing requirements.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • The glow of many Turners has dwindled, thanks to unstable pigments, but here is an immaculate exception.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026
  • And while unstable coalitions repeatedly fused and dissolved in the halls of power, outside these halls pipes burst and roads crumbled.
    — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of unstable
Adjective
  • Qnity will produce technology for the new variable aperture in the iPhone 18 Pro camera system.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The variable camshaft timing solenoids were caked with spent bearing debris; removing the timing chain cover revealed a pool of silvery gunk that collected at the bottom; and the oil pan is shinier than a spoon in the sun.
    — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of variable
Adjective
  • The problems — an inconsistent pass rush, short-yardage struggles and too many penalties — have been glaring.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
  • But Maryland’s climate goals have been ambiguous and inconsistent.
    — Alex Pavlak, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 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
  • Over the next several days, plan on more fall weather ahead of a colder, more unsettled end to the coming workweek.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • His eligibility case remains unsettled, as Sane signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz in 2024 but never appeared in an NBA game.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of unsettled
Adjective
  • But their presence in the North Carolina beverage market is facing an uncertain future as lawmakers consider tighter restrictions on hemp products.
    — Evan Moore November 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2026
  • With the year nearing its end, the launch window remains uncertain.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of uncertain

Browse Nearby Words

voids
volatile
volatileness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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