as in unstable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 labile
The mob is aroused and labile; the lumpy cops have no control, over the situation or over themselves.
—
James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Oct. 2024
Then the therapist could spend several minutes establishing a safe rapport with the patient while waiting for the memory to enter a labile state during the reconsolidation-updating window.
—Bj Casey, Scientific American, 14 May 2024
There was something kinetic, something labile in his air.
—Kevin Barry, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
Amid this high level of acting skill, Lindsey stood out with her wonderfully convincing gestures and facial expressions, filling out the character of the more labile younger sister with captivating verisimilitude.
—Jeremy Yudkin, BostonGlobe.com, 17 July 2023
To be labile is to be unstable; in chemistry, a labile substance is easily broken down.
—Maureen Stanton, Longreads, 10 Aug. 2020
On unusually chilly days, these climatically labile folks are 0 for 3.
—Valerie Ross, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2011
The painting, which ostensibly depicts Mary Magdalene in the reveries of devotion, is less spiritual than erotic: her interlaced fingers may be motionless, but her slight smile seems labile, indicating that Artemisia understood a woman’s sensuality from the inside out.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2020
According to the consolidation/reconsolidation hypothesis, recently acquired or reactivated memories are transformed progressively from an initially labile state into a stable form, through a protein-dependent process.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 22 Sep. 2015
James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Oct. 2024
Then the therapist could spend several minutes establishing a safe rapport with the patient while waiting for the memory to enter a labile state during the reconsolidation-updating window.
—Bj Casey, Scientific American, 14 May 2024
There was something kinetic, something labile in his air.
—Kevin Barry, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
Amid this high level of acting skill, Lindsey stood out with her wonderfully convincing gestures and facial expressions, filling out the character of the more labile younger sister with captivating verisimilitude.
—Jeremy Yudkin, BostonGlobe.com, 17 July 2023
To be labile is to be unstable; in chemistry, a labile substance is easily broken down.
—Maureen Stanton, Longreads, 10 Aug. 2020
On unusually chilly days, these climatically labile folks are 0 for 3.
—Valerie Ross, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2011
The painting, which ostensibly depicts Mary Magdalene in the reveries of devotion, is less spiritual than erotic: her interlaced fingers may be motionless, but her slight smile seems labile, indicating that Artemisia understood a woman’s sensuality from the inside out.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2020
According to the consolidation/reconsolidation hypothesis, recently acquired or reactivated memories are transformed progressively from an initially labile state into a stable form, through a protein-dependent process.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 22 Sep. 2015
Recent Examples of Synonyms for labile
Adjective
-
Countries like Canada, Portugal, and Australia offer alternative investor visa programs with clear, consistent rules, which would be made more attractive if the U.S. appears unpredictable or politically unstable.—
Andy J. Semotiuk,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Its secret to staying afloat in an unstable industry in the ever-evolving city of Raleigh is willingness to lean into change.—
Lucille Sherman,
Axios,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Nine West Renold Loafers Loafers have made the rounds in Hollywood recently; the versatile style has popped up in looks from Demi Moore, Helen Mirren, and Taylor Swift, to name a few.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
28 Feb. 2025
-
His versatile career cemented his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation.—
Megan Cartwright,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
On paper, Bridget can be compellingly hard to pin down, inconstant and ironic, messily self-aware, undeniably human.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2025
-
The key finding is that as the distance grows greater, the coupling stops growing, and the inconstant constant becomes constant once more.—
Stanley J. Brodsky,
Scientific American,
16 Apr. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Labile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/labile. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share