variance

noun

var·​i·​ance ˈver-ē-ən(t)s 

1

: the fact, quality, or state of being variable or variant : difference, variation

yearly variance in crops

2

: the fact or state of being in disagreement : dissension, dispute

3

: a disagreement between two parts of the same legal proceeding that must be consonant

4

: a license to do some act contrary to the usual rule

a zoning variance

5

: the square of the standard deviation

Phrases

at variance

: not in harmony or agreement

Synonyms

• friction
• discord
• discordance
• conflict
• strife
• discordancy
• war
• dissention
• dissent
• schism
• division
• warfare

Choose the Right Synonym for variance

discord, strife, conflict, contention, dissension, variance mean a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony.

discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

Examples of variance in a Sentence

There was some variance in the results.

We noticed a slight variance between the quality of the samples.

He had to get a variance to add a garage on to his house.

Recent Examples on the Web

Iconic Auctioneers did not offer an estimate for how much the car may sell for, though on Bring A Trailer, Series I Jaguar XKEs have been selling for around $200,000 lately, with a wide variance depending on provenance and condition. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025

Suarez has also pointed to Dominguez’s support for zoning variances at 1250 West Ave. —Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025

Not all percentages add up to 100% due to variances in state record-keeping systems. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025

There is probably wider variance on Philadelphia’s potential outcomes than for any team in the league. —John Hollinger, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English variaunce "change, variety, discrepancy," borrowed from Anglo-French variance, borrowed from Latin variantia, "diversity, variety," from variant-, varians variant entry 1 + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing variance

• analysis of variance

Rhymes for variance

• covariance
• invariance

Kids Definition

variance

noun

vari·​ance

ˈver-ē-ən(t)s,

ˈvar-

1

: the quality or state of being variable or variant : difference

yearly variance in growth

2

: the fact or state of being in disagreement : dispute

3

: the square of the standard deviation

Legal Definition

variance

noun

var·​i·​ance ˈver-ē-əns 

1

: a disagreement between two documents or positions

especially : a disagreement between allegations (as in an indictment or complaint) and proof offered at trial that warrants an appropriate remedy (as a directed verdict or an acquittal) when prejudicial to the substantial rights of the defendant

2

: an authorization to do something contrary to the usual restriction

a variance granted by a state agency

especially : permission for a use of real property that is prohibited by a zoning ordinance see also unnecessary hardship compare spot zoning