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.

The carrier said it has made schedule adjustments for the rest of the year to account for volatile prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

TE stock typically isn’t that volatile on earnings.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

The volatile trading of Avis stock has spilled over into the options market and led to outsize prices and implied volatility levels for calls and puts.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

They are highly speculative, highly volatile and highly leveraged.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

“It’s a volatile compound. An explosive. The less handling, the better.”

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

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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