volatile

[vol-uh-tl, -til, -tahyl] / ˈvɒl ə tl, -tɪl, -ˌtaɪl /

ADJECTIVE

explosive, changeable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

capricious elusive erratic fickle resilient ticklish unsettled unstable

STRONG

elastic ephemeral fugitive imponderable light transient variable

WEAK

airy effervescent expansive fleeting flighty flippant frivolous fugacious gaseous giddy impermanent inconsistent inconstant lively lubricious mercurial momentary playful short-lived sprightly subtle temperamental transitory unsteady up-and-down vaporous whimsical

Antonyms

STRONGEST

certain constant definite dependable reliable stable steady sure

STRONG

difficult enduring lasting permanent

WEAK

calm firm steadfast

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The brokerage giant has benefited from busy clients and volatile markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Here’s the best way to play a volatile market.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Laguarta noted the macroeconomic environment has become more volatile and uncertain but said the company will “focus on controlling what we can,” including continuing to innovate and build its brands.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The knack of accurate forecasting for Savouri lies in granularization and stripping out the most volatile components.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

His baby teeth, which usually gave him an impish, playful appearance, now made him seem unpredictable, volatile.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Vocabulary lists containing volatile

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This Week in Words: November 11 - 17, 2017

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