mercurial

11 synonyms and 3 antonyms for mercurial, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adjective — Liable to sudden and unpredictable changes of mood or behaviour.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

quick

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

volatile erratic animated spirited

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

capricious temperamental changeable fickle quicksilver sprightly

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adjective

Liable to sudden and unpredictable changes of mood or behaviour.

“His mercurial temper made him difficult to work for.”

volatile capricious temperamental erratic changeable fickle quicksilver

Opposites

steady constant even-tempered

2. adjective

Lively, quick-witted and full of energy.

“She brought a mercurial charm to every rehearsal.”

sprightly quick animated spirited

How to use mercurial

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

mercurial temperament mercurial talent mercurial genius

Slightly literary; common in journalism, sports writing and profiles.

Etymology

From Latin mercurialis 'of Mercury', the Roman god of commerce and messages, whose swiftness gave the word its sense of quickness and changeability.

Full origin of mercurial →

Frequently asked questions

Is calling someone mercurial an insult?

It depends on context. Applied to a temper or a boss it means unpredictable and hard to handle; applied to a performer or a talent it can be admiring, suggesting brilliance and flair.

What is the difference between mercurial and moody?

Moody suggests spells of gloom or irritability. Mercurial is about the speed and unpredictability of the swings, in either direction, and often implies liveliness as well as instability.

Why does mercurial relate to the planet Mercury?

The word comes from the Roman god Mercury, the swift messenger, and the planet named after him. Astrological tradition held that people born under Mercury were quick, clever and changeable.

People also searched

quick constant steady animated volatile spirited erratic fickle capricious quicksilver temperamental changeable

Nearby words

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