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
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.
—
Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
President Trump has changed his policies on tariffs several times since entering office, and does not appear to be fully settled on the future of his monetary policy, which is creating even more volatile markets.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
Trump’s volatile trade policy creates new problems for California’s state budget.
—Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Related Articles What’s more volatile: Stocks or California home prices?
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
President Trump has changed his policies on tariffs several times since entering office, and does not appear to be fully settled on the future of his monetary policy, which is creating even more volatile markets.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
Trump’s volatile trade policy creates new problems for California’s state budget.
—Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Related Articles What’s more volatile: Stocks or California home prices?
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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The source said Republicans view Powell as an important pillar of stability in the U.S. economy amid Trump’s unpredictable tariff war against foreign trading partners, including allies such as Canada, Japan, South Korean and Taiwan.—
Alexander Bolton,
The Hill,
22 Apr. 2025
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Spring temps can be unpredictable, so don’t forget to add on a pashmina-style shawl and some statement earrings.—
Jené Luciani Sena,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But the reality is that everyone feels the heat when life is unstable—even therapists.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
14 Apr. 2025
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Finally, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act says that schools must enroll and educate students who are with unstable living situations, including migrants, without discrimination.—
Brian Boggs,
The Conversation,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The evening will likely be cool with a light, variable wind and a low around 50.—
Todd Karpovich,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Apr. 2025
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Seeing how the warring variable fighters square off against one another was and is amazing.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Even so, the practice of choosing a papal name remained inconsistent for the next 1,000 years, with most popes using their baptismal names.—
Christopher Watson,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2025
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After an inconsistent first half of the season, manager Unai Emery has found a way of tinkering with Villa’s line-up and still winning.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Moreover, inconsistent lighting temperatures can create unease, making customers feel unsettled without knowing quite why.—
Bryant Richardson,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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While some farmers feel unsettled, another said good business strategy and state funding could help make up the gaps.—
Nora O’Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Neutral weather conditions bring uncertain weather risks An ENSO-neutral pattern can bring drier-than-normal weather, or drought conditions could persist in certain regions.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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Across the subsequent five years, there have only been two occasions when Soucek’s future seemed uncertain.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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