change

verb

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\ 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 Phrases Containing change Learn More About change

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

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: Verb Ahtuangaruak said that while microbeads might pose no risk for some people or animals, that might change in a different setting or for a different organism. — Alena Naiden, Anchorage Daily News, 17 May 2022 Meanwhile, Twitter issued a new corporate filing late Monday in which the company answered questions related to whether there would be layoffs or whether its content moderation practices would change. — Faiz Siddiqui, Washington Post, 16 May 2022 And why would this unnamed woman in Gardiner’s account—an individual seemingly embedded with the British—have shared vital information of a possible treason plot that could change the course of the war? — Claire Bellerjeau And Tiffany Yecke Brooks, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2022 Instead, Borders’s worst fears were realized as violence broke out in the sanctuary, a burst of mayhem whose aftershocks would fundamentally change the city‘s approach to combating violence in ways still felt today. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 15 May 2022 And the Black Lives Matter Movement has yielded global uprisings, scholarship, and literature that will forever change how American history is understood and taught. — Michaela Angela Davis, Allure, 14 May 2022 His battle also takes in discovering who murdered his father, a personal mission which leads him to discover family secrets that will change for ever his destiny. — John Hopewell, Variety, 13 May 2022 That was when the Cubs brought Rizzo up from Triple-A Iowa and heralded him as the first of a wave of talented prospects who would change the culture of the organization. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2022 In 2013, Giannis entered the NBA Draft with the help of an agent, holding on to a strong belief that the opportunity would change his life and the life of his family. — Shafiq Najib, PEOPLE.com, 10 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun How is climate change impacting the county and what can be done locally to address the effects? — Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2022 Suggestions that it will be used to mandate vegetarianism, on the other hand, reflect uncertainties about sustainable agriculture, climate change and animal welfare. — CBS News, 17 May 2022 The war in Ukraine is also expected to impact global food security in the near future, compounding issues from climate change and the pandemic. — Robert Hart, Forbes, 17 May 2022 Suggestions that it will be used to mandate vegetarianism, on the other hand, reflect uncertainties about sustainable agriculture, climate change and animal welfare. — David Klepper, ajc, 17 May 2022 Tribal leaders and advocacy groups were also out in force to stress the need for urgent action to address climate change and environmental injustice. — Lindsey Botts, The Arizona Republic, 16 May 2022 This is the May 12, 2022, edition of Boiling Point, a weekly newsletter about climate change and the environment in California and the American West. — Sammy Rothstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2022 These essays by the late philosopher, who in 1998 predicted the coming of a Trump-like presidency, consider populism, democracy, economic inequality, climate change and more. — New York Times, 11 May 2022 The same is true for the Amazon, the U.N. said, with three droughts occurring since the turn of the century and triggering forest fires, with climate change and deforestation also to blame. — Wanjohi Kabukuru, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2022 See More

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.

Learn More About change

Dictionary Entries Near change

Changde

change

change a baby

Statistics for change

Last Updated

20 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Change.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/change. Accessed 24 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for change

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.

change

noun

Kids Definition of change (Entry 2 of 2)

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.

Choose the Right Synonym for change

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.