1
as in interpretations
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play)
the movie begins with a somewhat irreverent variation on the Nativity story
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in changes
the act, process, or result of making different
the latest in a long line of variations in her hair color
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 variations
As multiple cities around Jackson County move to ban types of unregulated and potentially dangerous ‘gas station drugs’ — specifically more potent variations of kratom — Lee’s Summit has not only joined the charge but has taken restrictions even further.
—
Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026
Most of them are variations on the central thirteen.
—Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2026
From subtle variations to vibrant color combinations, there's a chrome pink nail design for every aesthetic.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
Researchers revealed that this methodology resolves spatial variations in photocatalytic reactivity of nanoscale cocatalysts supported on semiconductors with a spatial resolution on the order of 10 nm.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
Rodrigo’s store offers different variations of vinyl, including 180-gram, pop-up blue, hot pink, and black.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
The flagship restaurant, which eventually became BCD Tofu House, popularized the spicy tofu stew with more than 10 variations that are still served today, including versions with seafood, kimchi, gopchang (small intestines) and a vegetable option.
—Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
If the Sun is high in the lunar sky during the flyby, there will be few shadows, and the crew will be looking for subtle variations in surface color and rightness.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
But there are some regional variations; first prize in Tokyo, for example, is 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of tuna.
—Trista Kurniawan, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026
Most of them are variations on the central thirteen.
—Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2026
From subtle variations to vibrant color combinations, there's a chrome pink nail design for every aesthetic.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
Researchers revealed that this methodology resolves spatial variations in photocatalytic reactivity of nanoscale cocatalysts supported on semiconductors with a spatial resolution on the order of 10 nm.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
Rodrigo’s store offers different variations of vinyl, including 180-gram, pop-up blue, hot pink, and black.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
The flagship restaurant, which eventually became BCD Tofu House, popularized the spicy tofu stew with more than 10 variations that are still served today, including versions with seafood, kimchi, gopchang (small intestines) and a vegetable option.
—Angela Osorio, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
If the Sun is high in the lunar sky during the flyby, there will be few shadows, and the crew will be looking for subtle variations in surface color and rightness.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
But there are some regional variations; first prize in Tokyo, for example, is 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of tuna.
—Trista Kurniawan, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variations
Noun
-
Different interpretations of rhetoric Some argue that the criticism targeted the regime, and that many Iranians welcome blunt honesty.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The most traditional poetic forms are repetitive, with strict rhyme schemes and meter, but newer interpretations are also built around repetition, relying on slant rhymes, refrains, alliteration, and more.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The City Council voted 5-1 to approve the future use changes, and to approve the rezoning.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The Hickman Mills School District is currently about $14 million in debt, a figure which district leaders attribute partly to financial mismanagement and partly to recent changes to the Jackson County property tax assessment cycle.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The attorneys, however, offered different takes during the trial on whether the babies had access to donated breast milk.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Schofield and Blake traverse the precarious battlefields of northern France, and Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins' expert camerawork makes the film appear to be shot with only two uninterrupted takes.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries should set aside partisan differences and publicly commend our military’s efforts.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Even modest differences in compliance costs can influence where new facilities are built or existing operations expand.—
John Cleveland,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The mandolin quartet was developed, mixing treble and bass versions of the instrument, and the technique of the tremolo was taken to new heights of sophistication.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to the fully electric lineup, BYD will also introduce plug-in hybrid versions of the Great Tang built on its DM-i and DM-p powertrain systems.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The review stage has now arrived, with three meetings now scheduled for the coming weeks that should define what will change for F1 in 2026 and lay the groundwork for greater alterations from 2027.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The total cost, beyond the dramatic, narrative, legal, and emotional alterations?—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Variations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variations. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
