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
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Recent Examples of volatile
The backlash comes as airlines navigate high travel demand paired with volatile costs.
—
Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
This kind of build-up is unusual because volatile elements like sodium, which can get exposed after an object is blasted with micrometeorites, are usually later depleted by solar winds blowing from the sun and the general influence of space.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
And the Legislature is doing this at a time when the national economy is teetering and the stock market is volatile.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
The visit comes amid Venezuela’s ongoing political transition and underscores Bogotá’s push to stabilize its volatile frontier with its eastern neighbor.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
This kind of build-up is unusual because volatile elements like sodium, which can get exposed after an object is blasted with micrometeorites, are usually later depleted by solar winds blowing from the sun and the general influence of space.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
And the Legislature is doing this at a time when the national economy is teetering and the stock market is volatile.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
The visit comes amid Venezuela’s ongoing political transition and underscores Bogotá’s push to stabilize its volatile frontier with its eastern neighbor.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
-
Known for his unpredictable, edgy behavior and fiery personality, Gritty has expanded the traditional boundaries of what a sports team mascot can be or do.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Special legislative sessions are unpredictable, and people on both sides say the Florida fight is far from over, with mistrust of the medical establishment still running high after the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Kerry Sheridan,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Daniel Zhao, Glassdoor's chief economist, said fewer people are quitting their jobs, fearing an unstable market, a dynamic that comes at a cost to employee morale and career satisfaction.—
Jennifer Elias,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
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The serac between base camp and Camp One is unstable and is risky for climbers, said Himal Gautam of Nepal's Department of Mountaineering.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That variable rate matters to anyone who has I Bonds, no matter when they were bought.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
-
By contrast, most credit cards have a variable rate, so there’s a more direct connection to the Fed’s overnight rate.—
Jessica Dickler,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After two inconsistent seasons, Johnson became a consensus first-team All-American last year, rushing for 1,537 yards and a school-record 22 touchdowns.—
Sam Warren,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Melissa Horner’s inconsistent presence in the home seemed to upset her son’s routines.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Apr. 2026
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
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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
Adjective
-
The weekend will be quiet and comfortable with near-normal temperatures, with conditions becoming unsettled again early next week.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
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In addition to unsettled funding mechanisms, the cultural understanding of 988 is still shifting.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Something that felt uncertain now becomes obvious.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
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Whether there's enough support to pass such a measure is uncertain.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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