mercurial
1
8.9
- adjective
- /mɜrˈkjʊəriəl/
- Literature
:
astuto
- Of all the complex cast of characters on the Congolese political stage, none so fueled the fears of political opponents, western powers, and top UN diplomats alike as did this charismatic, popular, and mercurial man.
Examples
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The artist's mercurial nature allowed him to create masterpieces in a variety of styles.
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He was mercurial, moving faster and having more brilliance than anyone I could remember.
Fiction book (1998) -
Five Dirdir stepped to the ground: impressive creatures, harsh, mercurial, decisive.
Fiction book (1993) -
Today the Guardian published a story about the fact that the Merzbarn has had its funding cut and may have to close as a place for visitors to come and see the last work of the mercurial Dadaist Kurt Schwitters.
Blog text (4) -
The mercurial Sikora clowns incisively comment on their situation and prowl his environs like a feral animal.
Blog text (34) -
He is known for his mercurial temperament, often changing his mind without warning.
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Her mercurial wit made her the life of the party, as she easily switched from jokes to serious topics.
Synonyms
50
4.7
Good at judging situations and making smart business decisions
4
7.5
Good at handling difficult situations and doing things with your hands
2
8.6
Being very wise and good at making decisions
Compounds
- Archaic
An ointment with mercury used long ago to treat skin problems like lice and syphilis
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Mercurial comes from the god Mercury, a quick and clever messenger who was also a trickster, so calling someone 'mercurial' suggests they are sharp, fast-thinking, or sometimes sly.