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.

Wholesale inflation tends to be more volatile than the consumer-price index, which also accelerated in March as Americans paid more for gasoline and diesel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Chairman and CEO Charlie Scharf said in a statement that while markets have remained volatile, the bank continues to see resiliency in the economy and the spending power of consumers and businesses.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

But, given the volatile markets and a looser regulatory environment — which are good for Goldman — investors appeared to be expecting more.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

During a volatile first quarter, the KBW Nasdaq Bank Index fell 6% for its worst performance since 2023 as the war in Iran led to significant investor uncertainty.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

I’m on shaky ground here, because, considering the volatile nature of our society, if I get it wrong, I’m likely to offend.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

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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