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

One of the core ideas was to be able to better adapt decisions to local norms and laws about speech, which vary widely around the world. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "Facebook will create an independent oversight group to review content moderation appeals," 15 Nov. 2018 As for the citizenship of a child born at 36,000 feet, MedAire’s Alves says that can vary, too. — Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, "What Happens to Babies Born on Planes," 26 Oct. 2018 After federal taxes and state deductions, which vary across the country, winners will generally end up with around half that amount to pay for their yacht shopping. — Scott Mcfetridge, The Seattle Times, "Mega Millions jackpot hits $1.6B, thanks to worsening odds," 22 Oct. 2018 The type of vehicle you order can vary depending on users’ plans. Commuting? — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "The World of 2045," 14 Oct. 2018 Attendees dress up according to their interpretation of the theme, which has varied wildly throughout the years. — Michaela Bechler, Vogue, "21 Years of Met Gala Themes: A Look Back at Many First Mondays in May," 9 Oct. 2018 There has been no indication that the Afghan Taliban, who are known to move between Pakistan and Afghanistan with an ease that varies often depending on Islamabad's relationship with Washington, will be asked to leave. — Fox News, "Russian peace talks raise specter of shifting influence," 25 Aug. 2018 The roof and walls are supported by 57 trusses that vary in thickness to support the overhang of the curved eave. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Undulating bamboo house looks like it’s wearing a hat," 24 July 2018 Villanelle assumed roles that varied not just in wigs, but in accent, demeanor, and backstory. — Kathryn Lindsay, refinery29.com, "Sandra Oh Just Made History For Killing Eve, But The Emmys Forgot One Thing," 12 July 2018

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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