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
Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Bitcoin, 5 days The reversal comes as stocks also rose on Friday, suggesting the market could close on a more positive note following a very volatile week.
—
Liz Napolitano,arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
As freight markets brace for another year of uncertainty, carriers and shippers alike are navigating volatile rates, shifting trade lanes and an uneven path back to normalcy.
—Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Her ruling shields more than 300,000 Haitians — at least 158,000 of them living in Florida — from deportation back to their volatile country while an ongoing lawsuit proceeds.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
As of early February 2026, standard 2026 American Silver Eagle coins in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition are trading between $95 to $165 (or more) from many major online bullion dealers, though prices fluctuate daily with the volatile silver market.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Liz Napolitano,arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
As freight markets brace for another year of uncertainty, carriers and shippers alike are navigating volatile rates, shifting trade lanes and an uneven path back to normalcy.
—Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
Her ruling shields more than 300,000 Haitians — at least 158,000 of them living in Florida — from deportation back to their volatile country while an ongoing lawsuit proceeds.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
As of early February 2026, standard 2026 American Silver Eagle coins in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition are trading between $95 to $165 (or more) from many major online bullion dealers, though prices fluctuate daily with the volatile silver market.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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This delay has raised concerns about the safety of robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles operating in unpredictable environments.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
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This is ideal for decades of sliding across the ice, because bigger mineral grains are more likely to get plucked out by the ice, leaving holes in the surface that could cause unpredictable behavior.—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Studies show annual turnover among nursing assistants can approach 100%, and home care roles see turnover rates of around 75%, reflecting both burnout and unstable hours.—
Allie Canal,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
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The Associated Press reported on February 9 that heavy snowfall and an unstable snowpack were the cause of most of the deaths.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Additional Firefall Viewing Tips and Tricks Yosemite Valley typically experiences temperature highs in the 50s and lows just below freezing in February, but weather can be variable throughout the park.—
Mary Beth Skylis,
Outside,
7 Feb. 2026
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However, theatrical films follow a variable-revenue model that relies on high-margin per-ticket sales and box office performance for downstream revenue.—
Joseph M. Singer,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Carmakers — historically major buyers of ads during the big game — have been inconsistent with advertising during the Super Bowl in recent years, with only a handful putting out spots each year.—
Michael Wayland,
CNBC,
7 Feb. 2026
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Addressing Gaps in the Market The company’s founder established XPRO Jet Charters after spending years flying privately and experiencing inconsistent service firsthand.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 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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Meanwhile, on the business side of the operation, the Valkyries are operating as if the season — set to open May 8 in Seattle — will proceed, even as rules and dates for an expansion draft, free agency and the college draft remain unsettled.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
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By contrast, Hsu, director of consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, believes that the revival today is a negative reaction to the volatility of high prices and unsettled politics.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But a month after Maduro’s capture, while some see reason for optimism in the economy and releases of political prisoners, the country remains on an uncertain path.—
CNN 9 hr ago,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
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Garland’s uncertain availability, and the Cavaliers’ need to get star Donovan Mitchell more scoring help, motivated Cleveland to swap their young floor leader for Harden, who is 10 years older.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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