Synonyms for variable
- adjective
Most common
volatile erratic fluctuating inconstant changeable mutable varying aberrant
Synonyms by meaning
Adjective
1. Uncertain — likely to vary
uncertain, fluctuating, inconstant, irregular, fickle, unsettled, vacillating, capricious, volatile, unsteady, wavering, erratic, mobile, fitful, unstable, fluid, up-and-down, mercurial, moody, temperamental, slippery, shifty
2. Changeable — able to vary or be varied
changeable, mutable, alterable, protean, versatile, modifiable, flexible, adaptable
3. Varying — marked by diversity or difference
Definitions
- adj. 1
Able to vary or be varied.
variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity; a variable resistor
- adj. 2
Likely to vary.
- adj. 3
Marked by diversity or difference.
Example sentences
- volatile The situation in Morocco is actually very volatile.
- erratic We had to lessen the impact of the erratic supplies.
- fluctuating The consumer price index has been fluctuating wildly.
- changeable The weather is very changeable at this time of year.
- mutable All these things are ultimately mutable.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| variable | steady | |
| volatile | steady | |
| erratic | falling | |
| fluctuating | falling | |
| inconstant | falling | |
| changeable | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- iffy2
- 5 letters
- fluid2, moody2
- 6 letters
- mobile2, varied2, fickle2, motley2, shifty2, fitful2, kittle2
- 7 letters
- various3, varying3, variant3, erratic3, mutable3, protean3
- 8 letters
- flexible3, unstable3, volatile3, slippery3, wavering3, unsteady3, aberrant3, weathery
- 9 letters
- uncertain3, irregular4, versatile3, unsettled3, adaptable4, mercurial4, alterable, unequable
- 10 letters
- capricious3, changeable3, modifiable, inconstant
- 11 letters
- diversified4, fluctuating4, vacillating4
- 13 letters
- temperamental4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (iffy2 = 2 syllables).