vary

verb

ˈver-ē 

varied; varying

transitive verb

1

: to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic

2

: to make differences between items in : diversify

intransitive verb

1

: to exhibit or undergo change

the sky was constantly varying

2

: deviate, depart

3

: to take on successive values

y varies inversely with x

4

: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form

varyingly

ˈver-ē-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• differ
• contrast

Choose the Right Synonym for vary

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 vary in a Sentence

The terrain varies as you climb higher.

The cost of a room at the hotel varies with the season.

Their services vary depending on the customer.

They've tried to improve their procedures, with varying degrees of success.

The diamonds vary in size.

Colors vary from light to dark.

I try to vary my diet by eating different kinds of foods.

Recent Examples on the Web

When beneficiaries will feel the impact varies, since states typically provide the benefits on a rolling basis during the month. —Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025

Symptoms of Coffee Bloat The way coffee bloating happens can vary from person to person. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 29 Oct. 2025

Research on the relationship between acetaminophen and Autism Spectrum Disorder has varied, but many physicians say evidence does not support a causal relationship. —Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2025

When To Prune Roses In Fall The timing of fall pruning can vary depending on your location, but wait until after the first hard frost in your area. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English varien, borrowed from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French varier, borrowed from Latin variāre "to mark with contrasting colors, give variety to, make changeable," derivative of varius "having contrasting colors, of different kinds, changeable," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for vary

• aerie
• airy
• arie
• barre
• cherry
• clary
• dairy
• eyrie
• faerie
• faery
• fairy
• ferry

Kids Definition

vary

verb

ˈver-ē 

ˈvar-

varied; varying

1

: to make a minor or partial change in

2

: to give variety to

3

: to show or undergo change

4

a

: to be different

b

: to change in bodily structure or function away from what is usual for members of a group

varyingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

vary

intransitive verb

ˈver-ē, ˈvar-ē 

varied; varying

: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form