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

• contrast
• differ

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.

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Recent Examples on the Web

Public skate times and days vary, so check the online calendar for more details. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023

The number of gifts in a stocking varies widely and is entirely up to personal preference and tradition. —Bridget Shirvell, Parents, 18 Nov. 2023

Although Biden expressed varying levels of hope through the week that a deal would happen, a senior administration official says Israel and Hamas have been close to an agreement at various points in recent weeks, but that each time, those talks had broken down in the final stages. —Shannon K. Crawford, ABC News, 18 Nov. 2023

Advertisement The objects of collectors’ obsessions seem to vary. —Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2023

The answers varied, which gets to the heart of a risk-versus-reward dilemma. —Kassie Bracken, New York Times, 17 Nov. 2023

While the sizing can vary slightly based on body type, they’re designed to be fitted at the waist and more relaxed in the thigh and leg, without looking baggy. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023

The exact list of who that includes will vary by person and life stage, but think babysitters, nannies, dog walkers, hair stylists, door attendants and similar service providers. —Aly J. Yale, wsj.com, 15 Nov. 2023

Compare Drug Prices at Your Local Pharmacies One thing that people often forget to do is check prices at pharmacies, which can vary and change each year. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 14 Nov. 2023

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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

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