1
as in to differ
to be unlike; to not be the same opinions by experts on the subject vary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to range
to occur within a continuous range of variation the appliance store is offering discounts that vary from 10 to 40 percent, depending upon the brand

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in to shift
to pass from one form, state, or level to another terrain that constantly varied as we traveled from the coast to the interior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word vary different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of vary are alter, change, and modify. While all these words mean "to make or become different," vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

When is alter a more appropriate choice than vary?

While the synonyms alter and vary are close in meaning, alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use change instead of vary?

The words change and vary can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When might modify be a better fit than vary?

The synonyms modify and vary are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

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 vary The number of visitors varies year to year, but about 100-150 people usually come through on Halloween night. Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025 The war began in 2023, and the quality of coverage since then, as Max suggests, has varied over time and across outlets. David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 Here’s how to claim your lottery prize For Indiana Lottery prizes, the claim process varies depending on the prize amount. Chris Sims, IndyStar, 24 Oct. 2025 Early voting hours vary by day, and polling locations may differ from those on Election Day. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary
Verb
  • If the Earth rotated about its axis every 24 hours, then your position in space would differ by the diameter of Earth — about 12,700 km (7,900 miles) — from the start of the night to the end of the night.
    Big Think, Big Think, 30 Oct. 2025
  • His fiction, neither notably blood-soaked nor mythologically freighted, also differs starkly from the work of Larry McMurtry and Cormac McCarthy, contemporaries who likewise were famously steeped in the West.
    Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Twelve of the 20 indicators for the health risks and impacts of climate change in the report set concerning new records—showing that the health impacts caused by our changing climate have reached unprecedented levels that cannot be ignored.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
  • An area rug can completely change how a room feels—adding warmth, softness, and personality from the very first step.
    Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With sizes ranging from 0 to 20 and four different inseam options (19, 23, 25, and 28 inches), these lightweight and sweat-wicking leggings are perfect for everything from lounging to long workouts, with plenty of space to keep your essentials in easy reach.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Sherrill’s Narrow Lead Holds Across Most Polls Across 10 surveys conducted from late September to mid-October, Sherrill’s lead ranges from one to eight points, underscoring a competitive contest.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Despite shifting attention, 72 percent of consumers globally still preferred products that do not harm plants or animals, the survey showed.
    Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Something in your circle is shifting, and sweeping it under the rug isn't going to work this time!
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For its plains and contrasts palette, the mélange and colors were inspired by women’s fashion.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The juxtaposition of the two composers — one Baroque, one from the 20th century — allowed for serendipitous dialogue between the contrasting styles.
    Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The thing that is inevitable in my mind is death, but aging can be totally modified.
    Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Shabani added that the work shows how modifying crystal structures can unlock new electronic properties.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The dress is made from a fine-gauge knit that offers warmth without feeling bulky, which is essential for fluctuating weather.
    Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Radon levels fluctuate constantly due to weather, HVAC use, and even seasonal patterns.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Researchers are exploring ways to alter aging, including through exercise, diet, and drugs.
    Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The third touchdown pass traveled at last to a receiver, who altered his option route to move into the quarterback’s line of vision.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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