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\ ˈver-ē 
\
\varied; varying
Definition of vary
1 : to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic
2 : to make differences between items in : diversify
1 : to exhibit or undergo change
the sky was constantly varying
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
varyingly \ ˈver-ē-iŋ-lē \ adverb
\ adverb
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web All can knock down an open look behind the arc to varying degrees.
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J. Michael, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: 3-point focused Indiana Pacers take step in right direction with offense," 26 Nov. 2019 While a significant number are eligible for varying degrees of public support, the refusal by many states to expand their Medicaid programs creates challenges.
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Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, "Americans bankrupted by health care costs: 4 questions answered," 22 Nov. 2019 Some politicians have introduced legislation to help contain the cost of insulin, with varying success.
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Serena Gordon, chicagotribune.com, "Why are insulin prices still so high for U.S. patients?," 18 Nov. 2019 These laws vary state to state, and are different for criminal and civil cases.
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Lindsay Schnell, USA TODAY, "Most priests accused of sexually abusing children were never sent to prison. Here's why," 12 Nov. 2019 Two of the county’s top public health experts on Nov. 5 presented the board with five options of varying severity.
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oregonlive, "Multnomah County asks for input on flavored nicotine product restrictions," 8 Nov. 2019 Now in his late 20s, the English-as-a-second language teacher has gone through about 15 more surgeries of varying severity.
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Doug Johnson, Quartz, "Researchers are turning to Reddit drug forums to tackle the opioid crisis," 3 Nov. 2019 Windows runs atop all different types of firmware across the assorted PCs it's installed on, each of which offers varying quality and security.
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Wired, "Microsoft's New Plan to Defend the Code Deep Within PCs," 21 Oct. 2019 In the last seven meetings of varying magnitude since 2008, neither side has scored more than a single goal in these games and this encounter was no different.
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SI.com, "North Korea & South Korea Draw 0-0 in Landmark World Cup Qualifier in Pyongyang," 15 Oct. 2019
See MoreThese 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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More Definitions for vary
vary
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of vary
: to be different or to become different
: to make (something) different : to make changes to (something) so that it is not always the same
See the full definition for vary in the English Language Learners Dictionary
vary
verb\ ˈver-ē \
\varied; varying
Kids Definition of vary
1 : to make a partial change in
He varied the rhythm of the poem.
2 : to make or be of different kinds
She varies her exercise routine.
3 : to show or undergo change
The sky constantly varies.
4 : to differ from the usual members of a group
vary
intransitive verb\ ˈver-ē, ˈvar-ē \
\varied; varying
Medical Definition of vary
: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form
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Time Traveler for vary
The first known use of vary was in the 14th century
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