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

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 As with a couple others, the bit is purposefully over the top, and its mileage may vary based on how fresh an observation one perceives the puppet’s admonishment to be. — Washington Post, 5 June 2021 While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. — Neha Prakash, Marie Claire, 9 Apr. 2021 While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2021 While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. — Bianca Betancourt, Harper's BAZAAR, 11 Mar. 2021 While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. — Mike Brest, Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2021 While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. — Guy Martin, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2021 While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. — Lucia Tonelli, Town & Country, 10 Mar. 2021 Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. — Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2021

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.