vary

verb

ˈver-ē

varied; varying

Synonyms of vary next

transitive verb

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

: to make differences between items in : diversify

intransitive verb

: to exhibit or undergo change

the sky was constantly varying

: deviate, depart

: to take on successive values

y varies inversely with x

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

varyingly

ˈver-ē-iŋ-lē

adverb

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

Example Sentences

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web The prices of counter-depth refrigerators may vary, with some—like the LG Bottom Freezer Refrigerator—costing under $1,300. —

Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2023 Dinner service begins at 3 p.m. Prices vary. —

Erin Booke, Dallas News, 28 Apr. 2023 The design has gaps that allow excess air to come and go, which makes the temperatures vary. —

Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2023 Though the facts in each instance vary, experts tell ABC News that the cases broadly reflect the sheer numbers of firearms in the United States and elements of gun culture that have bled into vital legal frameworks governing self-defense. —

Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2023 On a regional level, this story continues to vary. —

Lance Lambert, Fortune, 25 Apr. 2023 As of the end of 2022, 10 states had implemented child tax credits, according to a count by ITEP, although the eligibility requirements vary. —

Grace Segers, The New Republic, 25 Apr. 2023 Hangarter questions whether studies in E. densa can be generalized to other plants, whose chloroplasts' shape, size and movement vary. —

Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2023 Times, locations, and prices vary; most events are free with registration. —

BostonGlobe.com, 21 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of vary was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century