Definition of inconstancynext
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as in fluctuation
the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another the inconstancy of public opinion is such that today's hero may be tomorrow's punching bag

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 inconstancy Scientific and engineering advances don't do well in the face of such wild swings and inconstancy. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2025 Europeans, awakened to the danger of American inconstancy, are scrambling to spend trillions more on defense in coming years. Adam Rasmi, Time, 20 June 2025 Years of naval inconstancy with repair work drove Vigor Industrial—a once vibrant and growing maritime conglomerate—into the welcoming arms of hedge funds, which wasted no time in striping the company of value. Craig Hooper, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Here, Calabazas appears to be holding a toy windmill in one hand and, in the other, a miniature portrait of a woman, perhaps intended by Velázquez as a commentary on the inconstancy of love. Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2023 Due to his inconstancy and Angie’s growing attachment, their flimsy relationship operated on a timescale of eras coalescing into matters of historical record. Hannah Gold, Harper’s Magazine , 26 Oct. 2022 But, in the hands of the Fleet Foxes, the pastoral feels less like a particular zone in time and more like a space in which to parse ideas of self-reliance, the inconstancy of love, the pain of intimacy, the fear of loss, the sting of betrayal, and the strange but urgent project of hope. Brandon Taylor, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2022 Over the past 20 years, the United States has undermined its own global leadership by inconstancy. Damon Linker, The Week, 9 June 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inconstancy
Noun
  • During her weekslong trial, friends of Richinses described how the couple had moments of material strife and struggled with infidelity.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 13 May 2026
  • Three years after leaving, Fulmer broke his silence on the infidelity scandal that torpedoed his career in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • From an archival standpoint, Evans also worried about the long-term effects of keeping the Declaration housed against an exterior wall, where temperature fluctuations were more extreme.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
  • Regions with steady, low-fluctuation light signal stable systems.
    Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The Bible teaches that lying, stealing, adultery and coveting your neighbor’s property are sins.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The facile novelty of adultery is its own mask, a sexy way of dressing up a deep, frightened longing for security.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Its vertical and horizontal dual oscillation, coupled with an airflow range of up to 50 feet, efficiently circulates air in any direction.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 May 2026
  • This oscillation causes the streams to cross and spread, which forms an adhesive net-like structure in mid-air.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • But somewhere along the way, a portion of the WNBA ecosystem — fans, players and even some media members — started treating criticism as betrayal.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • The sequel series is based on similar – and familiar – concepts of love, loyalty and betrayal, once again set in the mafia underworld.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • The two have spent months attacking each other in television ads and debates, accusing one another of fraud, dishonesty, and ideological disloyalty to the MAGA movement.
    Nik Popli, Time, 18 May 2026
  • Of the six House members expelled, the first three fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War and were expelled for disloyalty.
    Kevin Freking, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • If the landing had been faked, the Soviets would have figured it out and would have loved to reveal to the world America’s perfidy.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
  • Years ago, during his first term, Trump was lamenting the perfidy of his first Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, the former Alabama senator.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inconstancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inconstancy. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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