variance

noun

var·​i·​ance ˈver-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce variance (audio)
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another recent study found that fast-twitchers tend to be very slightly stronger: fiber type explained about five percent of the variance in one-rep max. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 12 Nov. 2024 Yet there remain wide variances among regions in terms of where inventory is coming online, and the overall trend has slowed again recently. Rob Wile, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024 Because of the state's proximity to the equator, there is not a lot of variance between hours of daylight during the year. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 And keep an eye on Davidson, who has as much potential variance as any prospect in baseball, but hasn’t disappointed at any level yet. Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 21 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for variance 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of variance was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near variance

Cite this Entry

“Variance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variance. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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 How to pronounce variance (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on variance

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