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
The story follows Julia, an ambitious game designer, and Charlie, a struggling musician, who are at a loss for how to repair their volatile relationship.
—
Brent Lang, Variety, 1 May 2026
The set feels less like a ’90s living room than a cozy villain’s lair, warm but volatile (and easily set ablaze).
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2026
Oil companies sometimes take such financial positions to lock in a buyer at a minimum price and avoid pain from potentially volatile price drops.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 1 May 2026
However, the relationship remained volatile, and rumors of infidelity persisted.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Brent Lang, Variety, 1 May 2026
The set feels less like a ’90s living room than a cozy villain’s lair, warm but volatile (and easily set ablaze).
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2026
Oil companies sometimes take such financial positions to lock in a buyer at a minimum price and avoid pain from potentially volatile price drops.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 1 May 2026
However, the relationship remained volatile, and rumors of infidelity persisted.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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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
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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
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Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, unstable molecules that cause cell damage.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
1 May 2026
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Some critics argue that the clean energy transition simply trades one dependency for another, shifting reliance from fossil fuels controlled by unstable actors to supply chains heavily concentrated in China.—
Jennifer Granholm,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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That said, a HELOC has a variable rate that will adapt to market conditions each month, so some variability will need to be priced into any long-term cost projections.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
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While the interest rates on federal student loans are fixed, many private student loans have variable rates that fluctuate over time, said Nancy Nierman, assistant director at EDCAP.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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New York outscored Atlanta by roughly 20 points per 100 possessions with Robinson on the floor — yet minutes were inconsistent.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
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Clegg was Plascencia’s understudy and the favorite to win the job this season, but was inconsistent throughout the spring.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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Amid the unsettled state of the conflict, the war’s economic impact continues to grow.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 May 2026
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Over the top of these more ragged edges, Llobet takes a pointillistic approach to lyric writing, favoring half-thoughts and dreamy images that coalesce into a picture of unsettled anxiety.—
Colin Joyce,
Pitchfork,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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The team now plans to further refine the method for broader industrial applications where robots must operate under uncertain or changing conditions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
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In March, Beijing set its lowest growth target in decades, as the world’s second-largest economy grapples with weak domestic demand and an uncertain global outlook.—
Sylvie Zhuang,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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