vary

verb

ˈver-ē How to pronounce vary (audio)
Definition of varynext
1
as in to differ
to be unlike; to not be the same opinions by experts on the subject vary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to change
to make different in some way varied the method occasionally for the sake of experimentation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to range
to occur within a continuous range of variation the appliance store is offering discounts that vary from 10 to 40 percent, depending upon the brand

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to shift
to pass from one form, state, or level to another terrain that constantly varied as we traveled from the coast to the interior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of vary are alter, change, and modify. While all these words mean "to make or become different," vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

When is alter a more appropriate choice than vary?

While the synonyms alter and vary are close in meaning, alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use change instead of vary?

The words change and vary can be used in similar contexts, but 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 modify be a better fit than vary?

The synonyms modify and vary 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

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 vary What Airlines Do—and Don’t—Control Airlines may have their own policies and safeguards for in-flight Wi-Fi, which can vary from carrier to carrier. —Emily Cappiello, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026 Why these two groups of people turn to their phones varies greatly. —Emily Kwong, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026 The rules vary from country to country. —Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026 The precise threshold can vary depending on the gene analyzed and the taxonomic group. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary
  1. differ
  2. change
  3. range
  4. shift
  5. contrast
  6. modify
  7. fluctuate
  8. alter
Verb
  • The two sides have reported differing casualty figures.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The figure detailed here would exceed that but, as outlined, the loss presented for domestic PSR purposes could differ from the club’s UEFA submission.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of differ
Verb
  • Survivor is a particularly interesting example of changing beauty trends because contestants don't have access to makeup or skin care products on the island—save for sunscreen (more of a health necessity than a beauty one).
    — Erika W. Smith, Allure, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the California Air Resources Board, or CARB, has proposed a new set of draft regulations that would change how some allowances are distributed.
    — Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of change
Verb
  • Accommodations range from Garden, Pool, and Ocean View suites to sprawling one- to three-bedroom residences and a handful of penthouses.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Educational programs are led by volunteers on subjects ranging from recycling to water-wise gardening.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of range
Verb
  • The redistricting efforts, though appearing significant in scope, reflect legitimate partisan responses to shifting political terrain, where defensive countermeasures by one party are necessary to balance aggressive moves by the other party seeking electoral advantages.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
  • This footage is overlaid with rapidly shifting colors via video synthesizer, obscuring our view, and an iris that periodically frames the runner.
    — Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Definition of shift
Verb
  • The doctrine required broadcasters to present contrasting viewpoints on controversial public issues.
    — Jay Caruso, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
  • These are tight through the calves and then flare suddenly at the ankle, which (plus the visual interest of the slit) really draws attention to the contrasting cap-toe boots.
    — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of contrast
Verb
  • However, a bill to create a statewide independent watchdog office — the office of inspector general — continues to fail committee votes as House DFLers continue attempting to modify the bill to remove the office’s enforcement capacity or allow the governor to directly appoint its head.
    — Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
  • To simultaneously play percussion, Dyer also built and used a bicycle pedal toe clip modified with tambourine parts and bells, while Sanchez combined a kick drum with a tambourine.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 25 Feb. 2026
Definition of modify
Verb
  • The required length of training in active job postings, press releases and media reports has fluctuated, drawing criticism from lawmakers and the public about a lack of transparency.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The average price of new cars fluctuates in the span of a year, but in September, the average price of a new car surpassed $50,000—a record high, according to estimates by Kelley Blue Book.
    — Chantelle Lee, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
Definition of fluctuate
Verb
  • The Cubs didn’t want to alter his usual approach, which meant his first Cactus League start came a week into their spring exhibition schedule.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
  • In 1976, Barks encountered the 13th century Sufi mystic and poet Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, who would change his life and alter his career.
    — Rebecca McCarthy, AJC.com, 28 Feb. 2026
Definition of alter

Browse Nearby Words

varnishing
vary
varying
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of vary for Spanish Speakers

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