varied; varying

transitive verb

1
: to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic
2
: to make differences between items in : diversify

intransitive verb

1
: to exhibit or undergo change
the sky was constantly varying
2
3
: to take on successive values
y varies inversely with x
4
: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form
varyingly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for vary

change, alter, vary, modify mean to make or become different.

change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.

changed the shirt for a larger size

alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

Examples of vary in a Sentence

The terrain varies as you climb higher. The cost of a room at the hotel varies with the season. Their services vary depending on the customer. They've tried to improve their procedures, with varying degrees of success. The diamonds vary in size. Colors vary from light to dark. I try to vary my diet by eating different kinds of foods.
Recent Examples on the Web Definitions of a supermoon can vary, but the term generally denotes a full moon that is closer to Earth than normal and thus appears larger and brighter in the night sky. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 24 Mar. 2024 Grab it on sale with varying discounts in 26 styles. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2024 Some tips for choosing the right plants The quality and the actual size of plants sold at different places locally will vary. Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 23 Mar. 2024 Prices for the same procedure can vary dramatically from hospital to hospital in the same city, and even within the same hospital, depending on the health insurer. Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024 Keep in mind that European carriers' limits vary slightly from those in the U.S. Eric Rosen, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024 Larry Kellner, the chairman of Boeing’s board, is spearheading the unusual listening tour and will be joined by two to three other directors for each session, although the cast of participants will vary, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the plans are confidential. Julie Johnsson, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024 This situation is delicate, and expert opinion might vary. Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2024 The trails that line the lush hills making up the peninsula and outlying islands show off more than the city’s famous skyline, and at varying degrees of difficulty. Condé Nast, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English varien, borrowed from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French varier, borrowed from Latin variāre "to mark with contrasting colors, give variety to, make changeable," derivative of varius "having contrasting colors, of different kinds, changeable," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vary was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near vary

Cite this Entry

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vary. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vary

verb
ˈver-ē How to pronounce vary (audio)
ˈvar-
varied; varying
1
: to make a minor or partial change in
2
: to give variety to
3
: to show or undergo change
4
a
: to be different
b
: to change in bodily structure or function away from what is usual for members of a group
varyingly adverb

Medical Definition

vary

intransitive verb
varied; varying
: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form

More from Merriam-Webster on vary

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