as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
the boss's mood is so mercurial that we never know how he's going to react to anything
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Recent Examples of mercurial
Sly was everything for the next half-decade: chart-topper, prophet, a great talk-show interview, an increasingly mercurial presence (or non-presence) at his own concerts, and generally the coolest man on Earth.
—
Ben Greenman, Pitchfork, 10 June 2025
Still, political observers in Moscow recalled the Kremlin is dealing with a mercurial American president.
—Charles Maynes, NPR, 14 July 2025
As Jimmy Lennox, a musician carrying a torch for Susan Sarandon's Louise, Madsen got to do some of the most moving and mercurial work of his career.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 July 2025
The 1972 novel follows the life of mercurial 6-year-old Sophia and her cranky and unsentimental, but loving, grandmother.
—Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mercurial
Ben Greenman, Pitchfork, 10 June 2025
Still, political observers in Moscow recalled the Kremlin is dealing with a mercurial American president.
—Charles Maynes, NPR, 14 July 2025
As Jimmy Lennox, a musician carrying a torch for Susan Sarandon's Louise, Madsen got to do some of the most moving and mercurial work of his career.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 July 2025
The 1972 novel follows the life of mercurial 6-year-old Sophia and her cranky and unsentimental, but loving, grandmother.
—Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for mercurial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mercurial
Adjective
-
Create Short-term and Long-term Business Plans When getting your business off the ground, the beginning is often the most volatile time.—
Rhett Buttle,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
The law provides a federal framework for stablecoins, a form of cryptocurrency that's considered less volatile than other cryptocurrencies, as each token is backed by the US dollar or other supposedly low-risk assets.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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Unlike cheaper rebounders that can feel stiff or unpredictable, this one stays sturdy and responsive.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
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Not pleased by the unpredictable nature of MP stock?—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mercurial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mercurial. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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