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 Although every player selected in this year’s first round possesses varying degrees of physical talent, intangible qualities such as character seemed to standout as a prominent theme in several first-round selections. Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Both men have been critical of Israel and supportive of Palestinians to varying degrees. Steven W. Thrasher june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 There are a lot of beautiful people of varying gender expressions in this series. Stacia Brown, Vulture, 26 June 2025 While keyboard quality is fairly consistent across laptops, trackpads can vary wildly. Luke Larsen, Wired News, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary
Verb
  • Audio advertising differs from its visual counterpart in its ability to cut through distractions when delivered.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • The size of the persistence gap between part-time and full-time students also differed by institutional sector.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • This information may be subject to change without notice.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 23 June 2025
  • One thing that has changed in recent months is inventory: The number of homes for sale is up more than 20% over a year ago.
    Laurel Wamsley, NPR, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Convenient location 12 miles from Liberia International Airport Guest Suites and Villas There are 121 suites, ranging from King suites to 4-bedroom villas that are ideal for big families or friend groups.
    Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Three Vietnamese freelance journalists for Radio Free Asia are currently serving prison terms ranging from six to 11 years in Vietnam.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Temperatures above 75 to 80°F can trigger bolting, at which point the plants shift their energy into flowering and stop producing new foliage.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
  • The dangerous and record-shattering heat will shift east by the end of the weekend and the start of next week.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • This contrasts with lower concentrations being prevalent across the arid west.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
  • This contrasts with the 21 percent national average for students from similar backgrounds.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • The future of gene therapy At Miami-Dade’s public hospital system Jackson Health, new advancements in genetic research recently helped doctors modify a patient’s blood cells to lessen the effects of sickle cell disease, a painful blood disorder that can lead to life-threatening complications.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
  • The structure of the drink is an invitation to modify, but the process demands restraint.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • How To Use Stan As A Freelancer Freelancers typically manage a fluctuating number of clients and revenue and operate as one-person businesses, so diversifying into different revenue streams is essential.
    Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • For many items, though, prices fluctuate throughout the year, and some products are discounted quite often.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Read’s defense team slightly altered its strategy, too.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 16 June 2025
  • The senators have a chance to reshape or alter some of the provisions of the bill before moving it forward.
    Thomas Wenski, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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