changed; changing
1
2
a
: to replace with another
let's change the subject
b
: to make a shift from one to another : switch
always changes sides in an argument
c
: to exchange for an equivalent sum of money (as in smaller denominations or in a foreign currency)
change a 20-dollar bill
d
: to undergo a modification of
foliage changing color
e
: to put fresh clothes or covering on
change a bed
1
: to become different
some things never change
2
: to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution
winter changed to spring
4
: to put on different clothes
need a few minutes to change for dinner
5
: to shift one's means of conveyance : transfer
on the bus trip he had to change twice
6
of the voice
: to shift to lower register : break
His voice started to change when he turned 13.
7
of the moon
: to pass from one phase (see phase entry 1 sense 1) to another
changer
noun
1
: the act, process, or result of changing: such as
a
: alteration
a change in the weather
b
: transformation
a time of vast social change
going through changes
c
: substitution
a change of scenery
d
: the passage of the moon from one monthly revolution (see revolution sense 1a) to another
also
: the passage of the moon from one phase (see phase entry 1 sense 1) to another
e
2
a
: money in small denominations received in exchange for an equivalent sum in larger denominations
b
: money returned when a payment exceeds the amount due
a cashier quick at making change
c
: coins especially of low denominations
a pocketful of change
d
: a negligible additional amount
only six minutes and change left in the game
e
: money sense 1
cost a large chunk of change
3
: a fresh set of clothes
4
British
: exchange sense 5a
5
: changeup
6
: an order in which a set of bells is struck in change ringing
Synonyms
Examples of change in a Sentence
Verb
He changed from an optimist to a pessimist.
The town has changed little in recent years.
These events have changed me in my attitude to life.
You can't change human nature.
Their relationship seems to have changed for the better.
The leaves change color from green to red in the fall.
She changed her name when she got married.
France has changed its monetary unit from the franc to the euro.
change the channel on the TV
Noun
There has been little if any change in her daily routine.
You shouldn't be afraid of change. Change is a natural part of life.
The years have brought many changes to the town's economy.
We need to make some changes in the system.
Many voters believe that it's time for a change.
We've had to make a slight change in the schedule.
a change for the worse
We've been so busy that a quiet day at home was a welcome change.
We eat at home a lot, so dining out sometimes is a nice change.
Have you got change for a $10 bill?
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023
Although researchers disagree on the precise effect that elephants have on carbon storage, the study makes clear an important fact: Animals, especially huge ones, have the power to change how much carbon is moving in and out of an ecosystem, and not always for the better.
—Katharine Gammon, The Atlantic, 1 Dec. 2023
None of what happened on the debate stage will likely change the reality of the Republican primary landscape, though the arguments made from the debate stage could be a preview of what's to come in a general election from the governors respective parties.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 1 Dec. 2023
Lakers Inside the most lopsided loss of LeBron James’ career: ‘A lot’ needs to change
Nov. 28, 2023
The winners of the quarterfinals advance to Las Vegas for the semifinals on Dec. 7 and the final on Dec. 9.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2023
Is the nonprofit holding company structure going to change?
—Alex Heath, The Verge, 30 Nov. 2023
Their engines have grown and gained turbochargers, but the naming convention hasn’t changed.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023
Diversify The digital marketing landscape is changing as people are longing for more privacy.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
Through this method, Schreiber and colleagues were able to discover that the rotation of the planet does vary slightly, changing by mere milliseconds.
—Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 21 Nov. 2023
Cristian Esteban, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2023
However, even with these changes, Lanai still isn’t Saint-Tropez in the summer (or Maui, for that matter).
—Melinda Fulmer, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023
This includes staying up to date on technological changes that enhance the reliability and trustworthiness of AI outputs.
—Rahul Singhal, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
Their sleep appears highly sensitive to environmental changes like shorter days.
—Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Nov. 2023
Now new ways of creating and consuming music and looming changes in streaming economics are challenging us to do even better for our clients.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 30 Nov. 2023
When hung on a utility pole, fiber optic cables can be used as a sensor to detect changes in temperature, vibrations, and very loud noises.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Nov. 2023
Hunters and anglers need to recognize national change in wildlife values.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 30 Nov. 2023
Neil Begley, senior VP of Moody’s, who covers Hollywood for the debt rating agencies, thinks the double whammy of the COVID shutdowns in 2020 and 2021 and the strikes will add up to long-term changes.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 21 Nov. 2023
See More
Verb
The discovery is changing how doctors care for new mothers.
—Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023
Although researchers disagree on the precise effect that elephants have on carbon storage, the study makes clear an important fact: Animals, especially huge ones, have the power to change how much carbon is moving in and out of an ecosystem, and not always for the better.
—Katharine Gammon, The Atlantic, 1 Dec. 2023
None of what happened on the debate stage will likely change the reality of the Republican primary landscape, though the arguments made from the debate stage could be a preview of what's to come in a general election from the governors respective parties.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 1 Dec. 2023
Lakers Inside the most lopsided loss of LeBron James’ career: ‘A lot’ needs to change
Nov. 28, 2023
The winners of the quarterfinals advance to Las Vegas for the semifinals on Dec. 7 and the final on Dec. 9.
—Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2023
Is the nonprofit holding company structure going to change?
—Alex Heath, The Verge, 30 Nov. 2023
Their engines have grown and gained turbochargers, but the naming convention hasn’t changed.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023
Diversify The digital marketing landscape is changing as people are longing for more privacy.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
Through this method, Schreiber and colleagues were able to discover that the rotation of the planet does vary slightly, changing by mere milliseconds.
—Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 21 Nov. 2023
Noun
These sturdy glasses easily handle sudden temperature changes, so switching from hot coffee to iced is no problem.
—Cristian Esteban, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2023
However, even with these changes, Lanai still isn’t Saint-Tropez in the summer (or Maui, for that matter).
—Melinda Fulmer, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023
This includes staying up to date on technological changes that enhance the reliability and trustworthiness of AI outputs.
—Rahul Singhal, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
Their sleep appears highly sensitive to environmental changes like shorter days.
—Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Nov. 2023
Now new ways of creating and consuming music and looming changes in streaming economics are challenging us to do even better for our clients.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 30 Nov. 2023
When hung on a utility pole, fiber optic cables can be used as a sensor to detect changes in temperature, vibrations, and very loud noises.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Nov. 2023
Hunters and anglers need to recognize national change in wildlife values.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 30 Nov. 2023
Neil Begley, senior VP of Moody’s, who covers Hollywood for the debt rating agencies, thinks the double whammy of the COVID shutdowns in 2020 and 2021 and the strikes will add up to long-term changes.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 21 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'change.' 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
Verb and Noun
Middle English, from Anglo-French changer, from Latin cambiare to exchange, probably of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish camm crooked
First Known Use
Verb
13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of change was
in the 13th century
Phrases Containing change
Articles Related to change
Dictionary Entries Near change
Cite this Entry
“Change.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/change. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
change
1 of 2 verb
changed; changing
1
: to make or become different : alter
2
: to give a different position, course, or direction to
4
: to give or receive an equal amount of money in usually smaller units of value or in a foreign currency
change a $10 bill
5
a
: to put fresh clothes or covering on
change a bed
b
: to put on different clothes
changer
noun
change
2 of 2 noun1
: the act, process, or result of changing
a change of seasons
a change for the better
2
: a fresh set of clothes
3
a
: money in small units of value received in exchange for an equal amount in larger units
b
: money returned when a payment is more than the amount due
c
: money in coins
d
: money sense 1a
cost a large chunk of change
More from Merriam-Webster on change
Nglish: Translation of change for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of change for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about change
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