change 1 of 2

1
2
as in fluctuation
the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another there is nothing so constant as change itself

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

change

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to vary
to pass from one form, state, or level to another the weather in New England is constantly changing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to exchange
to give up (something) and take something else in return would you mind changing your seat so my friends can sit together?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word change different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of change are alter, modify, and vary. While all these words 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

When might alter be a better fit than change?

Although the words alter and change have much in common, alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use modify instead of change?

The synonyms modify and change are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

Where would vary be a reasonable alternative to change?

In some situations, the words vary and change are roughly equivalent. However, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of change
Noun
So far, there has been little color change. John Meyer, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025 So my experience here, based on only two weeks, is not enough time to show much change. Jessica Hartshorn, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
Advertisement In some respects, Patagonia has hardly changed since Chouinard founded the company. David Gelles, Time, 9 Sep. 2025 Still, the essence of the ice cream sundae in a baseball helmet hasn’t changed much, with the helmet still a ubiquitous vessel (the Phillies feature eight different collectible helmets in 2025). Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for change
Recent Examples of Synonyms for change
Noun
  • Strikingly, this rapid shift coincided with major alterations in genes linked to autism—likely shaped by natural selection factors unique to the human species.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Critical wildlife habitat may be put at risk for alteration or wholesale destruction.
    Ryan Gellert, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Cryptocurrencies are notoriously volatile, with prices capable of experiencing dramatic fluctuations over short timeframes.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • While the high-rise cut is well-fitting and snug, the standout of these leggings is the adjustable tie waistband that allows for a perfect fit that accounts for body fluctuations.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The White House has repeatedly withheld money previously appropriated by Congress, with minimal pushback from GOP lawmakers.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • My mom came from bad financial circumstances and you get used to (the money) and there was a stature to it.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The company posted 6,955 lines of assembly language code to GitHub under an MIT license, allowing anyone to freely use, modify, and distribute the code that helped launch the personal computer revolution.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The race overalls of both drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, have also been modified to suit the occasion.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Individual year-over-year market values varied greatly, ranging from an over 16% increase one year to an under 1% increase another.
    Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Guest rooms vary in size, many with circular windows, while a children’s playroom and creative studio round out the upper level.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Three weeks later in London, the same service required a bank transfer – no cash accepted, no cards processed, just account details exchanged securely and payment completed in seconds.
    Penny Lee, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Parents lined up on a sidewalk outside Bergen Meadow Elementary School, waiting to reunite with their children, exchanging hugs and quiet conversation.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Six separate receivers have caught touchdown passes already this season, a stark difference from a season ago when Green was criticized for being too reliant on a small number of playmakers.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2025
  • However, there's a significant difference between containing and controlling a wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Superimposed on this slow drift are smaller and more frequent oscillations known as nutations.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Instead, gravitational waves, as natural quantum oscillations of space-time itself, are enough in this model to create the density fluctuations that lead to matter developing structures like galaxies, stars, and planets.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Change.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/change. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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