as in unpredictable
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
a boss of volatile moods is frustrating to work for
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 volatile
In the volatile West Bank town of Jenin, militants shot and killed a member of the Palestinian security forces and wounded two others.
—
Wafaa Shurafa and Tia Goldenberg The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 23 Dec. 2024
In a remote South American town, four desperate men (Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Folco Lulli, and Peter van Eyck) are hired for a desperate job, to transport two truckloads of highly volatile nitroglycerin up a mountain.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
Bitcoin prices have been climbing this year thanks in part to President-elect Donald Trump's messaging on creating a crypto-friendly administration ‒ including plans to stockpile the volatile digital currency.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
The Declare label — which comes on 20 of Moore & Giles’ collections — also outlines life expectancy and end-life options for the leather, as well as origin and volatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing.
—Jennifer Bringle, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for volatile 
Wafaa Shurafa and Tia Goldenberg The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 23 Dec. 2024
In a remote South American town, four desperate men (Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, Folco Lulli, and Peter van Eyck) are hired for a desperate job, to transport two truckloads of highly volatile nitroglycerin up a mountain.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
Bitcoin prices have been climbing this year thanks in part to President-elect Donald Trump's messaging on creating a crypto-friendly administration ‒ including plans to stockpile the volatile digital currency.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
The Declare label — which comes on 20 of Moore & Giles’ collections — also outlines life expectancy and end-life options for the leather, as well as origin and volatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing.
—Jennifer Bringle, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
-
However, logistical challenges, such as unpredictable weather, play a role in these considerations.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
-
Success, the author argues, is primarily the product of unpredictable social processes, support from famous sponsors, and a perfect match with the zeitgeist.Christian Stadler, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Shoes for Deep Snow With protective booties that seal out moisture and major traction that grips even in unstable terrain, these shoes are ready for winter fun.Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024
-
For businesses, relying on open-source components without proper vetting is like building a house on unstable foundations.Steve Wilson, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
In addition, things like VR technology, open and closed high-density portals, thermal nuclear energy, vaults, variable gravity, use of laser technology, and being tech-savvy are celebrated.Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024
-
Light and variable wind becoming west at 5 to 10 mph in the morning.Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The Premier League this season is inconsistent, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
-
True, Anthony Richardson is wildly inconsistent but he’s got the big arm to burn the Broncos deep as Jameis Winston did before Denver’s bye.Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
Workers United, which has a bargaining delegation that represents workers at 525 Starbucks stores in the United States, said the coffee giant has yet to bring a comprehensive economic package to the table, while hundreds of legal disputes over unfair labor practices remain unsettled.Juveria Tabassum, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
-
Lightning from rare coastal thunderstorms that rolled over the rugged, unsettled land would strike mountaintops, sometimes igniting a fire.Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
But the outcome at the end of a tumultuous week had been uncertain after Trump had insisted the deal include an increase in the government’s borrowing limit.Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
-
Details on how the berm area in question has evolved over the years through different rain and flood events and if there has been any reconstruction or repairs with a revolving board was uncertain.Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near volatile
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share