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change

verb \ ˈchānj \
|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Definition of change

changed; changing
transitive verb
1 a : 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
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
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 1phase 1) to another
—

changer

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

See change defined for English-language learners

See change defined for kids

Examples of change in a Sentence

  1. He changed from an optimist to a pessimist.

  2. The town has changed little in recent years.

  3. These events have changed me in my attitude to life.

  4. You can't change human nature.

  5. Their relationship seems to have changed for the better.

  6. The leaves change color from green to red in the fall.

  7. She changed her name when she got married.

  8. France has changed its monetary unit from the franc to the euro.

  9. change the channel on the TV

Recent Examples of change from the Web

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.

Origin and Etymology of change

Middle English, from Anglo-French changer, from Latin cambiare to exchange, probably of Celt origin; akin to Old Irish camm crooked

change Synonyms

Synonyms

alter, make over, modify, recast, redo, refashion, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, vary;

Antonyms

fix, freeze, set, stabilize;

Related Words

deform, metamorphose, mutate;

regenerate, revolutionize, transfigure, transform, transmute;

commute, convert, exchange;

rejigger, retool;

Synonym Discussion of change

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
2

change

noun

Definition of change

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 1a) to another; also : the passage of the moon from one phase (see 1phase 1) to another
e : menopause
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 1
  • cost a large chunk of change
3 : a fresh set of clothes
4 British : exchange 5a
5 : changeup
6 : an order in which a set of bells is struck in change ringing

See change defined for English-language learners

Examples of change in a Sentence

  1. There has been little if any change in her daily routine.

  2. You shouldn't be afraid of change. Change is a natural part of life.

  3. The years have brought many changes to the town's economy.

  4. We need to make some changes in the system.

  5. Many voters believe that it's time for a change.

  6. We've had to make a slight change in the schedule.

  7. a change for the worse

  8. We've been so busy that a quiet day at home was a welcome change.

  9. We eat at home a lot, so dining out sometimes is a nice change.

  10. Have you got change for a bill?

Recent Examples of change from the Web

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.

Origin and Etymology of change

see 1change

change Synonyms

Synonyms

alteration, difference, modification, redoing, refashioning, remaking, remodeling, revamping, review, revise, revision, reworking, variation;

Antonyms

fixation, stabilization;

Related Words

amendment, correction, rectification, reform;

conversion, deformation, distortion, metamorphosis, mutation, transfiguration, transformation;

fluctuation, oscillation, shift;

displacement, replacement, substitution;

adjustment, modulation, regulation, tweak;

redesign, redo;

CHANGE Defined for English Language Learners

change

verb

Definition of change for English Language Learners

  • : to become different

  • : to make (someone or something) different

  • : to become something else

CHANGE Defined for Kids

1

change

verb \ ˈchānj \

Definition of change for Students

changed; changing
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.

Synonym Discussion of change

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.
2

change

noun

Definition of change for Students

1 : the act, process, or result of making or becoming different
  • There's been a change in plans.
  • a change of seasons
2 : something that is different from what is usual or expected
  • The trip was a welcome change from our routine.
3 : a fresh set of clothes
  • Pack several changes for your vacation.
4 : money in small units of value received in exchange for an equal amount in larger units
  • Do you have change for a ten-dollar bill?
5 : money returned when a payment is more than the amount due
  • Don't forget your change.
6 : money in coins
  • I have two dollars in change.

Learn More about change

  1. See words that rhyme with change Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for change Spanish Central: Translation of 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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