change

verb

\ ˈchānj

changed; changing

Definition of change

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to make different in some particular : alter never bothered to change the will

b : to make radically different : transform can't change human nature

c : to give a different position, course, or direction to changed his residence from Ohio to California

2a : 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

intransitive verb

1 : to become different some things never change

2 : to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution winter changed to spring

3 : exchange, switch neither liked his seat so they changed with each other

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

change hands

: to pass from the possession of one owner to that of another money changes hands many times

change

noun

Definition of change (Entry 2 of 2)

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 : menopause

2a : 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

Other Words from change Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about change

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Choose the Right Synonym for change

Verb

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

Verb

change, alter, and vary mean to make or become different. change may be used for making such a difference in a thing that it becomes something else. They've changed the house into a restaurant. Change may also be used for substituting one thing for another. We changed our seats for better ones. alter is used for making a small difference in something. He altered the picture by adding color. vary is used for making a difference in order to break away from a routine. The boss varied our tasks.

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?

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Technology has, obviously, changed things, and mostly for the better. — Nicole Brodeur, The Seattle Times, "This Seattle concierge has secrets he won’t tell," 23 Jan. 2019 Last January, Facebook changed its software algorithms to show users more posts from other people and fewer posts from publishers and brands. — Kurt Wagner, Recode, "Facebook needs a ‘reset’ button for your friend list," 27 Dec. 2018 But that may change since consumers have been dissatisfied with them. — Diana Budds, Curbed, "The rise of the direct-to-consumer home," 21 Dec. 2018 But those plans changed, leading to Shrike having some remarkably nuanced, subtle facial expressions. — Bryan Bishop, The Verge, "How Weta Digital created the steampunk world of Mortal Engines," 21 Dec. 2018 Anyone who knows the Kardashian-Jenner family beauty habits could be forgiven for being a little skeptical of the makeover, as everyone from Kim to Khloe to Kylie is known to be a big fan of using full wigs and hair pieces to change up their style. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Kris Jenner Got an Unexpected Hair Transformation With Long '60s Bangs," 8 Jan. 2019 The autonomous train system will allow Rio Tinto to cut down on the number of stops that the 2.4km (1.5mi) long, iron ore-hauling trains have to make to change drivers. — Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "Mining co. says first autonomous freight train network fully operational," 30 Dec. 2018 Now New York’s City Council is hoping to change all this. — Alissa Walker, Curbed, "How electric bikes can make cities safer," 30 Nov. 2018 Time travel is a tricky proposition — science fiction has endlessly explored the possibilities and consequences of changing the past or future, and Tom Sweterlitsch’s book is a complicated take on the trope. — Andrew Liptak, The Verge, "Our favorite science fiction and fantasy books of 2018," 21 Dec. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The drop was due mainly to a hefty benefit from tax changes in the prior-year quarter. — Mae Anderson, The Seattle Times, "Disney’s 1st-quarter results beat expectations," 6 Feb. 2019 It can be used, therefore, to gauge changes in marine life. — Jill Kiedaisch, Popular Mechanics, "Half of the World's Oceans Will Change in Color by the End of this Century," 5 Feb. 2019 The average weight loss was 48 pounds, Terry says, and 98% of people were satisfied with the changes from their baseline. — Karla Walsh, Woman's Day, "Everything You Need to Know About the Dubrow Diet," 29 Jan. 2019 One of the biggest trends from the last few years wasn't a type of hemline or a specific color, but rather a marked change in the way shoppers acquire their clothes. — Leah Bourne, Glamour, "There's a New Trend in Fashion Subscription Boxes—and We Put It to the Test," 10 Jan. 2019 The dedication of a new studio represents a change not just in Pearson’s interiors but also in her professional life. — Jennifer Blaise Kramer, House Beautiful, "Victoria Pearson Doesn't Use Color In Her Home For A Fascinating Reason," 9 Jan. 2019 Then, Raffensperger’s office will handle the procurement in line with the change in the law. — Ben Nadler, The Seattle Times, "Georgia official seeks to replace criticized voting machines," 23 Jan. 2019 Less than a year later, Seacrest chose to dress for the Golden Globes in the Time's Up bracelet, a symbol of change in Hollywood and support for women who have been abused. — Leah Prinzivalli, Glamour, "Why People Are Pissed Ryan Seacrest Wore a Time's Up Bracelet to the 2019 Golden Globes," 6 Jan. 2019 But the British competition isn't the only one adopting the change: CountryLiving.com confirms that trios will be allowed to audition in the U.S. for season 16! — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "'The Voice' Blind Auditions Are Changing in a Big Way," 6 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'change.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near change

Statistics for change

Last Updated

28 Jan 2019

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Time Traveler for change

The first known use of change was in the 13th century

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More Definitions for change

change

verb

English Language Learners Definition of change

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to become different

: to make (someone or something) different

: to become something else

change

noun

English Language Learners Definition of change (Entry 2 of 2)

: the act of becoming different or of causing someone or something to become different

: the act of replacing one thing with another

: the act of moving from one plane, train, etc., to another in order to continue a journey

See the full definition for change in the English Language Learners Dictionary

change

verb

\ ˈchānj

changed; changing

Kids Definition of change

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to make or become different changing autumn leaves I like how you've changed this room.

2 : to give a different position, course, or direction to I changed my plans.

3 : to put one thing in the place of another : switch Our teacher made us change places.

4 : to give or receive an equal amount of money in usually smaller units of value or in the money of another country Can you change a ten-dollar bill?

5 : to put fresh clothes or covering on change a bed

6 : to put on different clothes We always change for dinner.

change hands

: to pass from one person's possession or ownership to another's The restaurant has changed hands.