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 Maritime lead times range from two to 10 weeks, and production times vary significantly. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 9 May 2025 Still, All Stars has gone through some shifts over the years, implementing varying structural alterations to keep its viewers — and nowadays, its queens — coming back for more. —Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025 Sizes vary in pricing, but petite options start at just $47. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2025 All have varying levels of stability and solubility. —Rosa Jisoo Pyo, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025 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
  • Generally, the style of leadership that your service veterans are used to may differ from your own.
    — Scott Graybeal, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • The 2019 Pew survey, for instance, found that over 40 percent of Americans don’t trust others to cast informed votes in elections or to have civil conversations with those who have differing opinions.
    — Allie Volpe, Vox, 7 May 2025
Definition of differ
Verb
  • The foundation claimed Mexico was unlikely to change its stance when Sheinbaum was elected despite the escalating threat from cartels.
    — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025
  • According to the Brewers Association, craft beer production decreased 4% in 2024 over the prior year, the third consecutive decline as consumer preferences continue to change.
    — Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Definition of change
Verb
  • Garwin advised the government on panels ranging from the President’s Science Advisory Committee, to the JASON panel of high-level defense advisers, to leading the State Department’s Arms Control and Nonproliferation Advisory Board (now called the International Security Advisory Board).
    — Matthew Bunn, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
  • Their influences range from Hepsi (the first official girl band of Turkey, popular in the early 2000s) to Lisa from Blackpink.
    — Eda Uysen, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2025
Definition of range
Verb
  • Parents and older Americans face work requirements for food assistance House Republicans are looking to shift some of the costs of the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program, known as SNAP, to the states.
    — Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • Money could potentially be shifted from other agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency or Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Definition of shift
Verb
  • Numbers, however, do not adequately explain the contrasting moods around both Spanish giants.
    — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 12 May 2025
  • First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. The Razorbacks have lost twice in this series in contrasting ways.
    — Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 12 May 2025
Definition of contrast
Verb
  • After that, Newsom has 120 days to either to approve the pardon, modify it or deny it.
    — Emily Blackwood, People.com, 14 May 2025
  • Since then, Microsoft has continued to modify the software's design in bits and pieces, both for individual apps and for foundational UI elements like the Taskbar, system tray, and Windows Explorer.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
Definition of modify
Verb
  • The stock’s annual returns have fluctuated considerably, with a 45% gain in 2021, a sharp 89% decline in 2022, a strong rebound of 278% in 2023, and an exceptional 713% increase in 2024.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • But Anderson’s minutes also fluctuated depending on the matchup.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 5 May 2025
Definition of fluctuate
Verb
  • Airlines have been proactively altering their schedules, partly by canceling some flights in and out of Newark, to address the current limitations at the airfield.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Excess fat – particularly the tissue that surrounds the internal organs – is metabolically active, producing inflammatory molecules, altering hormone levels and impairing insulin signaling.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Definition of alter

Browse Nearby Words

varnishing
vary
varying
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Cite this Entry

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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