1
as in adjustable
capable of being readily changed
a variable expense that we could reduce if we needed to
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
highly variable income from his job as a real estate agent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in variable star
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 variable
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
The trailer can carry the pack, or the pack can carry the trailer, providing the versatility to navigate variable terrain ranging from wide, meandering paths to rough talus ascents.
—New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Mar. 2025
For many brands, reverting to the original formula, as Glossier did, isn’t even an option—either because the raw materials are no longer available, regulations changed (see P50 1970), or some other variable.
—Lindy Segal, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for variable
Adjective
There is variable texture in key pressure points to improve the overall grip.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
The trailer can carry the pack, or the pack can carry the trailer, providing the versatility to navigate variable terrain ranging from wide, meandering paths to rough talus ascents.
—New Atlas, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
As another variable, there is no bargaining in college sports because there is no union.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Mar. 2025
For many brands, reverting to the original formula, as Glossier did, isn’t even an option—either because the raw materials are no longer available, regulations changed (see P50 1970), or some other variable.
—Lindy Segal, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for variable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variable
Adjective
-
In Haiti, there hasn’t been a general election in nearly a decade; more than a million have been displaced by armed gang violence and the country’s volatile capital is on the verge of collapse.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Super Micro shares have been on a volatile run this year.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Among the supernovas in the data will be other transient events such as variable stars and kilonovas, the violent collision between extreme dense stellar remnants called neutron stars.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
27 Jan. 2025
-
In particular, Leavitt would scrutinize images of the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds, and had identified 1,800 variable stars within them.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The Multimodal Metropolis addresses these concerns by integrating intelligent, adaptable solutions into core infrastructure.—
Cathy Hackl,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
With its retractable roof, configurable seating and adaptable pitch – which will be stored in the neighboring mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen when not in use – the stadium can accommodate a wide range of sports and entertainment events.—
Andrew McNicol,
CNN,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Of course, politics is unpredictable, and his message could, in theory, have more resonance with Democratic primary voters this time around.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Towards the end of the first decade of the century, the Nike Total 90 range was incredibly unpredictable in the air.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The model developed by the team found that white dwarfs can fuel both processes simultaneously, making Earth-like planets possible around white dwarfs.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
19 Mar. 2025
-
The material sits on the surface of the white dwarf until there is enough material to ignite a thermonuclear runaway explosion -- a buildup of pressure and heat.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
However, most new users can start with the more flexible $1,500 first bet.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The sneakers use Vionic’s signature Vio-Motion technology for a stable, comfortable, and flexible fit that aids in full-body alignment.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But those findings have yet to be linked to a white dwarf, a neutron star, or another source.—
Paul Smaglik,
Discover Magazine,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Like all neutron stars, magnetars are formed when massive stars run out of their fuel for nuclear fusion.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The observations also contain a small sample of quasars, the bright hearts of active galaxies powered by feeding supermassive black holes, which, because of their incredible luminosity, can be seen even further away.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Perhaps the gamma rays were produced in events that gave rise to the radio outbursts of quasars.—
Mark Fischetti,
Scientific American,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variable. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share