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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The source said Republicans view Powell as an important pillar of stability in the U.S. economy amid Trump’s unpredictable tariff war against foreign trading partners, including allies such as Canada, Japan, South Korean and Taiwan.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
22 Apr. 2025
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Spring temps can be unpredictable, so don’t forget to add on a pashmina-style shawl and some statement earrings.—
Jené Luciani Sena,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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Even so, the practice of choosing a papal name remained inconsistent for the next 1,000 years, with most popes using their baptismal names.—
Christopher Watson,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2025
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After an inconsistent first half of the season, manager Unai Emery has found a way of tinkering with Villa’s line-up and still winning.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 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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Moreover, inconsistent lighting temperatures can create unease, making customers feel unsettled without knowing quite why.—
Bryant Richardson,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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While some farmers feel unsettled, another said good business strategy and state funding could help make up the gaps.—
Nora O’Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Across the subsequent five years, there have only been two occasions when Soucek’s future seemed uncertain.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
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The uncertain fate of his best friend impacts Si-eun throughout the season.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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