variance

noun

var·​i·​ance ˈver-ē-ən(t)s 

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

see also:

at variance

Synonyms of variance

• friction
• discord
• discordance
• conflict
• strife
• discordancy
• war
• dissent
• schism
• division
• warfare

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

The group of neighbors is in opposition to that bill, however, alleging that VENU is using its own variance from the city of Colorado Springs to exceed safe and reasonable decibel limits. —John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 Apr. 2026

But some of the variances were relatively small, and far from evidence of excessive caution, slightly conservative forecasts like these are a best fiscal practice. —Marc Joffe, Daily News, 13 Apr. 2026

Regardless, Simpson is a high-variance bet with a realistic starter path if the game slows down and he’s drafted by a Kyle Shanahan or Sean McVay disciple. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026

But the pair had crashed several times on track to that point, and Mercedes had felt compelled to freeze any strategy variance to avoid favoring one or the other. —Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing variance

• analysis of variance
• at variance

Rhymes for variance

• covariance
• invariance

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 

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