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
Thirty years on, that prediction is being tested in one of the world’s most volatile regions: Kashmir.
—
Fazlul Haq, The Conversation, 25 Apr. 2025
Their reasons are understandable; fragile infrastructure, inconsistent regulation, corruption, conflict, and volatile currencies have made long-term investments risky.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
The start of television advertising signals a new chapter in the volatile mayor’s race with two months left until the Democratic primary.
—Emma G. Fitzsimmons, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Midway through the first season of Étoile, a lavish dramedy set in the realm of elite professional ballet, the greatest and most volatile dancer in the world uses her curtain call to address the audience.
—Judy Berman, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Fazlul Haq, The Conversation, 25 Apr. 2025
Their reasons are understandable; fragile infrastructure, inconsistent regulation, corruption, conflict, and volatile currencies have made long-term investments risky.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
The start of television advertising signals a new chapter in the volatile mayor’s race with two months left until the Democratic primary.
—Emma G. Fitzsimmons, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Midway through the first season of Étoile, a lavish dramedy set in the realm of elite professional ballet, the greatest and most volatile dancer in the world uses her curtain call to address the audience.
—Judy Berman, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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Some British places are utterly unpredictable to pronounce.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
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Steering the cart is an obvious responsibility of her role, but navigating the course mentally is just as important due to the unpredictable players on the field.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Rigid robots are prone to damage in unstable, cramped environments and are expensive to repair.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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Remember: Antioxidants can slow aging and prevent skin damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.—
Danielle Jackson,
Glamour,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Recent advances in battery technology are addressing the intermittency of variable renewable energy like wind and solar, while nuclear expansion is a focal point for advanced economies.—
Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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This is a slightly moving target because of the variable ABV of the spirit—a 40 percent whisky will need less sweetness than a 45 or 50 percent whisky—so the above ratio is a guideline based on a 40 or 43 percent scotch.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But his hands are inconsistent after recording the most drops (10) of any receiver in the nation last season.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2025
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Orlando Sentinel Chicago has been inconsistent this season, most recently losing to Nashville SC 7-2, and has gone winless in the last five matches.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 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
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It can't be seen with the naked eye, but a curious weather pattern in the upper level atmosphere above the continental United States is forecast to generate unsettled weather and some big temperature contrasts into the weekend.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
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The National Weather Service (NWS) and meteorologists are warning that a multi-day pattern of unsettled weather could complicate outdoor plans and holiday travel routes.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The name was recently added to CNBC Pro’s All-Weather Stock List, as some analysts have pointed to its resilience amid the uncertain macro environment.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
26 Apr. 2025
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And in his first year as coach, Glenn won’t have any uncertain media moments that Rodgers regularly instigated.—
Bob Raissman,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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