adjective

mercurial

mur-KYOOR-ee-uhl

Mercurial (adjective) means Liable to sudden and unpredictable changes of mood or behaviour. Example: “His mercurial temper made him difficult to work for.”

adjective

Liable to sudden and unpredictable changes of mood or behaviour.

"His mercurial temper made him difficult to work for."

"The team's mercurial striker can win a match or vanish from it."

Lively, quick-witted and full of energy.

"She brought a mercurial charm to every rehearsal."

technical Of or containing the metal mercury.

"mercurial compounds used in older thermometers"

How to use mercurial

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishChanging mood or behaviour quickly and without warning.

When to use it

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

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with mercenary, which means motivated only by money.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

mercenary → volatile →

Common pairings

mercurial temperament mercurial talent mercurial genius

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His _____ temper made him difficult to work for.

Etymology

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

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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volatile capricious temperamental erratic changeable sprightly quick animated spirited

Antonyms

steady constant even-tempered

Related words

live fast active quick slow alive smart excited

Rhymes for mercurial

dial trial aerial serial filial denial medial racial social burial facial menial

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of mercurial?

"mercurial" (adjective) means liable to sudden and unpredictable changes of mood or behaviour.

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