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
Volatility as a Factor in Strategic Planning Bitcoin is highly volatile, often showing sudden price swings and quick changes within the same day.
—
Felysha Walker, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
Rates are likely to remain elevated – and volatile – as long as hostilities in the Middle East continue.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
The comet likely slowed to the point of almost stopping entirely before volatile activity at its surface forced it to spin in the opposite direction, the researchers suggest of the odd behavior.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Relievers are volatile, but these two have proven consistent high-end performers.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Felysha Walker, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
Rates are likely to remain elevated – and volatile – as long as hostilities in the Middle East continue.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
The comet likely slowed to the point of almost stopping entirely before volatile activity at its surface forced it to spin in the opposite direction, the researchers suggest of the odd behavior.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
Relievers are volatile, but these two have proven consistent high-end performers.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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Prices are subject to rapid, unpredictable changes due to factors like, but not limited to, supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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Air travelers are paying the price of the shutdown with unpredictable, snaking TSA lines at airports across the country, jeopardizing their chances to pass through security on time for their flights.—
Graham Hurley,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Geopolitically, the world seems to be getting more unstable.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
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How geopolitical risk remains a wildcard Gold has long been considered a safe-haven investment to turn to when the world feels unstable, but recent months have shown that relationship isn't always so simple.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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For brands, variable changes tied to product design and material choices could create financial incentives to reduce environmental impact.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
30 Mar. 2026
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APRs for variable-rate loans may increase after origination if the SOFR index increases.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The veteran forward spent the previous 3 1/2 seasons with the Ducks, but struggled to produce during inconsistent playing time from Quenneville before his departure at the deadline.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
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After an inconsistent season as a pitcher last spring, Gluting is ready to break out in that aspect of the game as well.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 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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However, the unsettled pattern continues with the Northern Mountains expected to pick up another 8 to 10 inches of light, dry snow by early Saturday.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Ian Littleworth’s Happy, the dissolute son always looking for an easy way out, seems unsettled not only in his bearings but in his command of the script.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Traditionally reliant on French institutional funding, the event now confronts an uncertain future as Mali’s military government severs ties with its former colonial overlord.—
Smooth Nzewi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
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Security fears If Iran keeps control of the Strait of Hormuz, investors would continue to view the trade chokepoint as dangerous and uncertain.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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