volatility

noun

vol·​a·​til·​i·​ty ˌvä-lə-ˈti-lə-tē How to pronounce volatility (audio)
plural volatilities
Synonyms of volatilitynext
: the quality or state of being volatile: such as
a
: a tendency to change quickly and unpredictably
price volatility
the volatility of the stock market
b
: a tendency to erupt in violence or anger
the volatility of the region
the volatility of his temper
c
: the quality of being readily vaporizable at a fairly low temperature
As each component of crude oil has a different relative volatility, they will evaporate at different temperatures.Martin W. Stockel et al.

Examples of volatility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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However, gold and silver prices carry volatility of their own, especially when buyers enter the market at a high point, risking losses instead of providing a security blanket, some analysts said. Max Zahn, ABC News, 22 Dec. 2025 The Christmas week is—obviously—often a quiet one with thin trading and low volatility. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Dec. 2025 Another way to reduce crypto’s volatility is dollar cost averaging, which involves systematic weekly or monthly purchases of crypto. Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 21 Dec. 2025 Benzinga Major indexes regained footing by Friday, after stumbling early in the week on tech sector volatility and growth fears. Benzinga, Freep.com, 20 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for volatility

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of volatility was in 1626

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Cite this Entry

“Volatility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volatility. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.

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