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
Nora, a volatile actress struggling with crippling stage fright, is consumed by deep resentment over her father’s abandonment.
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Robert Lang, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
With silver sitting close to multi-year highs, carefully consider whether precious metals align with your broader investment strategy before committing significant capital to this volatile asset class.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Unemployment claims data can be highly volatile and heavily affected by events such as weather or holidays.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
In Riyadh, the market has been more volatile, with the value and number of transactions down in the second and third quarters compared to the same periods a year earlier.
—Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for volatile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volatile
Adjective
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Austin immigration advocates have argued that similar changes in Austin, and a lack of clarification from the police department on its policy, sends a message that contact with officers — even as a victim or witness — carries unpredictable risks for immigrant families.—
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The occurrence of abdominal pain is often unpredictable and can change over time.—
Adjective
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On Monday morning, the Sierra Avalanche Center reported that the recent storm was beginning to wind down, but warned that avalanche risks remained elevated due to strong winds and unstable snow.—
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The last two drafts are starting to come together, specifically the 2023 group, to form a foundation that can keep the need for relying on the unstable free-agent market to a slightly lower level.—
Adjective
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In one late-stage clinical trial published in March 2025, scientists evaluated outcomes in nearly 400 individuals with a history of motion sickness who were randomly given tradipitant or a placebo (dummy pill) before embarking on boat trips under variable sea conditions.—
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Compared to rivals that lean on endlessly variable transmissions, Kia’s use of a conventional automatic gives the Sportage Hybrid a feel that’s familiar and less droney.—
Adjective
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The company says the system aims to tackle persistent challenges in the hospitality industry, including labor shortages, inconsistent drink quality, and long service times.—
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In some cases, CBS News ran images through AI detection tools, which can be inconsistent or inaccurate but can still help flag possibly manipulated content.—
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.—
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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.—
Adjective
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Venezuela’s political situation remains unsettled.—
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When Nicolás Maduro assumed Venezuela’s presidency in 2013, the country was already deeply unsettled after years of political polarization under Hugo Chávez, marked by shrinking freedoms and violent crackdowns on dissent.—
Adjective
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At the moment, its age is still uncertain.—
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How Barton will advance his campaigns now is uncertain.—
Cite this Entry
“Volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volatile. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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