as in unpredictable
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
a boss of volatile moods is frustrating to work for
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 volatile
The region has experienced several unfavorable conditions, including strong winds, dry vegetation, and a lack of rainfall, creating a highly volatile environment for wildfires.
—
Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
In the wake of his parent’s divorce, the family’s financial situation was volatile.
—Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
Conventional supply chains are increasingly volatile as the climate crisis is driving more floods, droughts and forest fires — and with it more business instability.
—Lauren Parker, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025
If the real estate market feels too volatile, consider encouraging your clients to explore markets where homes may be more affordable or find ways to increase their financial security before jumping into the commitment.
—Rodolfo Delgado, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for volatile 
Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
In the wake of his parent’s divorce, the family’s financial situation was volatile.
—Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
Conventional supply chains are increasingly volatile as the climate crisis is driving more floods, droughts and forest fires — and with it more business instability.
—Lauren Parker, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025
If the real estate market feels too volatile, consider encouraging your clients to explore markets where homes may be more affordable or find ways to increase their financial security before jumping into the commitment.
—Rodolfo Delgado, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
-
Laws and norms govern their actions to a degree but the human element is unpredictable.Richard Bishop, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
-
On top of this, issues related to money and possessions are unpredictable.Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
To address such an unstable yet technical landscape, businesses ‘curate’ teams of experts and ask them to work together.London Business School, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
-
An underground glow In fungi, the key step towards bioluminescence occurs when the enzyme luciferase converts light-emitting compound called luciferin into an unstable product.Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Combined with the device’s 360-degree hinge, the dual 120Hz touch displays with variable refresh rate support and wide color coverage make this a joy for content creators and media pros.PCMAG, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025
-
Control effort in 2024 continued at pre-pandemic levels, but elevated and variable adult sea lamprey abundances should be expected over the next year or two before turning back downward.Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
In terms of individual markets, and as noted above, China continues to be inconsistent for Hollywood, but even its local titles had issues in 2024.Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025
-
His performance has been inconsistent at times, and there have been problems out of his control, like mechanical issues, team mistakes or strategy not panning out.Luke Smith, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
Today, the United States is navigating an increasingly unsettled world.Matthew Clary, The Conversation, 14 Jan. 2025
-
Los Angeles power grid faults spiked before wildfires started, expert says In some parts of Los Angeles, residents have returned to their still smoldering neighborhoods even as the threat of new fires persisted and the nation's second-largest city remained unsettled.Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
This keeps his audience, and often his negotiation counterparts, uncertain and on edge.Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
-
Lee’s storied Bay Area political career took an uncertain turn after Lee ran unsuccessfully in 2024 for the U.S. Senate, finishing fourth in the March primary against fellow Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff, who won in the November election.Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near volatile
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share