VARIABLE Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

variable 1 of 2

adjective

ˈver-ē-ə-bəl

Definition of variable

as in adjustable

capable of being readily changed a variable expense that we could reduce if we needed to

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in volatile

likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly highly variable income from his job as a real estate agent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

variable

2 of 2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of variable

Adjective

Unlike traditional software, where the cost of running a task is relatively predictable, agents can take different paths to the same result, making costs highly variable. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 According to Tianmushan Laboratory, future versions will require a variable-cycle propulsion system capable of supporting both supersonic and subsonic flight efficiently. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026

Noun

Roberts also said alternating between right- and left-handers was not a variable. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026 Noting the still-pending $110 billion merger with Warner Bros Discovery as a key variable, the company said in an SEC filing that the date of the shift could be subject to change. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variable

Adjective

While most of the system’s weight rests on its clear base, it is held upright by an adjustable stand that connects near the top of the system’s back panel and extends outward to form an A-frame ladder.

— Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2026
The simplest way to think about it is to imagine the grid gaining millions of tiny batteries, generators, and adjustable loads.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of adjustable

Adjective

The researchers focused on volatile elements such as sodium, zinc and potassium, which evaporate easily at high temperatures.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Gonzales pointed to the volatile state budget’s dependence on tax revenue from wealthy Californians, some of whom have proactively moved out of the state because of the proposal.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of volatile

Noun

In May, for example, astronomers suggested that a lunar-mass PBH might have been spotted drifting through the halo of our Milky Way, but follow-up work suggested the sighting was a variable star, not a black hole.

— Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
This variable star is also located 250 light-years from Earth, but is sadly lost from view in the glare of the sun during the summer months.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of variable star

Adjective

Promotional images and films conjured a playful, adaptable and benevolent house — plastic as the building block of family happiness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Such hands-on learning, in turn, develops versatile, adaptable talent, producing graduates who can pivot across jobs as industries, technologies and opportunities evolve.

— Raghupathy Sivakumar, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of adaptable

Adjective

Conflict in mining regions, disputed licenses, slow permitting, and unpredictable enforcement have long deterred Western investors, while Chinese operators have been better able to absorb those risks.

— Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Long Tiddie Short Story is unmistakably her — honest, unpredictable and incredibly funny.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Noun

Williams and his colleagues observed a white dwarf that showed some unusual chemical signatures, including zinc, copper and niobium.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2026
This revealed that the white dwarf in this binary system is the youngest white dwarf ever seen to be partnered with a millisecond pulsar.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of white dwarf

Adjective

Goldener Hirsch has a residence rental program that is extremely family-friendly with flexible sleeping arrangements, welcome kits for the kiddos, and babysitting services.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
As Chinese politics regress, such flexible problem solving is giving way to rigid orthodoxy.

— Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of flexible

Noun

The same happens with a newborn neutron star but on a much grander scale; some pulsars have been measured to spin in excess of 700 times per second.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Answering that question would allow astrophysicists to address other mysteries, such as the precise threshold where a neutron star will collapse to form a black hole.

— Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of neutron star

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“Variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variable. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of variable

adjective

noun

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