vary

verb

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\ ˈver-ē

varied; varying

Definition of vary

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

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Other Words from vary Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About vary

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Synonyms & Antonyms for vary

Synonyms

Antonyms

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web The river's depth can vary greatly based on the location. — Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 12 May 2022 Out-of-pocket costs can vary wildly between pharmacies and change suddenly based on the behind-the-scenes negotiations between pharmacy-benefit managers and drugmakers. — Newt Gingrich, WSJ, 11 May 2022 In multigenerational Latino households, people’s comfort with talking about mental health can vary. — Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2022 Prices for common procedures like MRI’s can vary widely from hospital to hospital in a region. — Mike Freeman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2022 Offers and daily deals can vary by account and region. — Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, 9 May 2022 Definitions of a supermoon can vary, but the term generally denotes a full moon that is brighter and closer to Earth than normal and thus appears larger in the night sky. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, 3 May 2022 The genres can vary widely, from romance to historical fiction to memoirs, and are selected by BOTM's staff as well as longtime subscribers and a panel of authors, journalists, and other notables. — Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day, 3 May 2022 The impact of this tuning could vary considerably based on the music being played. — Brad Moon, Forbes, 30 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vary.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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