Definitions

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.

Volatile organic compounds like benzene, stemming from burnt PVC pipes, have entered drinking water.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Volatile trade is likely ahead of the weekend due to the uncertainty around the conflict, NatGasWeather.com says in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Volatile Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis had sacked Nuno even though the Portuguese coach led them into Europe for the first time in 30 years, leaving Postecoglou under pressure to make an immediate impact.

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution mission, which reached Mars orbit in 2014, has provided critical data about its upper atmosphere for 10 years.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2025

And this Diversity of Volatile salts I have observ’d to be somtimes Discernable even to the Eye, in their Figures.

From The Sceptical Chymist or Chymico-Physical Doubts & Paradoxes, Touching the Spagyrist's Principles Commonly call'd Hypostatical; As they are wont to be Propos'd and Defended by the Generality of Alchymists. Whereunto is præmis'd Part of another Discourse relating to the same Subject. by Boyle, Robert

Vocabulary lists containing volatile

Words from "The Avengers"

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

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This Week in Words: November 11 - 17, 2017

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