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.

Recent Examples on the Web

No time has been set for the Hyde Park closings, which will vary by store. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024

Prizes range from $2 to the grand prize jackpot, which varies. —Steven Martinez, Journal Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2024

Symptoms of lead poisoning can vary, causing mild to severe symptoms including fatigue, muscle or joint pain, nausea, headaches, severe stomach cramping, seizures, coma and death. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024

Independent owner-operators run the stores, and the selection will vary at each location. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024

But Take Note The lactose content of whey protein isolate can vary, but some people sensitive to lactose may be able to tolerate this form of whey protein powder over other forms like whey protein concentrate. —Alexandra Paetow Ms Rdn, Parents, 15 Apr. 2024

Rates vary by property and the discount applies to stays at Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, and B Resort & Spa. —Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2024

The cost of the free donuts will vary based on each state's sales tax. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2024

Most degens will be a mix of the two in varying degrees. —Zain Jaffer, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024

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