vary

verb

\ 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

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

contrast, differ

Antonyms

compare, match

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

These polls have a reputation for unreliability -- both Netanyahu and Gantz claimed victory on election night five months ago, amid confusion over varying projections showing each ahead. — Andrew Carey, CNN, "Benjamin Netanyahu's re-election plans in limbo as Israeli exit polls show tight contest," 17 Sep. 2019 That means figuring out the ever-elusive line between free expression and harmful speech and serving as a court of sorts for a global network that has different needs and varying visions for what the Web should look like. — Washington Post, "Facebook unveils charter for its ‘Supreme Court,’ where users can go to contest the company’s decisions," 17 Sep. 2019 Trailing tourists in varying states of cosplay snap photos and film themselves reenacting scenes. — Adam Wilson, Harper's magazine, "Good Bad Bad Good," 16 Sep. 2019 Now cemented as the club's first-choice striker, the forward has demonstrated a varying skillset that is paying dividends under Mark van Bommel, with the club sitting joint-top of the Eredivisie table. — SI.com, "Donyell Malen: 7 Things to Know About the In-Form PSV Striker," 15 Sep. 2019 Experts have offered varying positions on the legality of the contest. — NBC News, "Yang defends $1,000 giveaway contest as 'perfectly legal'," 15 Sep. 2019 Expect to pay $1,000 for the 15-minute treatment, with no pain or downtime other than varying redness. — Elycia Rubin, The Hollywood Reporter, "Hollywood Skin Experts Advise How To Repair Sun Damage After Summer Break," 15 Sep. 2019 Each trim level has unique colors, materials, and accents, further differentiating each model with varying hues and textures inside and out. — Sue Mead, Houston Chronicle, "Hyundai Veloster: Sporty compact curated with emotion, imagination," 13 Sep. 2019 It is carefully measured and packed into capsules or foil sachets of varying doses that can be easily opened and mixed with food. — Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, "For Children With Peanut Allergies, F.D.A. Experts Recommend a New Treatment," 13 Sep. 2019

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.

History and Etymology for vary

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

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