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
Machado also pushed back on suggestions that Venezuela’s role in drug trafficking had been exaggerated to support the argument of those calling for regime change. Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025 All work is weather dependent and subject to change, WisDOT notes. Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
Peacock and streaming was important to the NBA too, a sport that is well aware of changing consumption habits, particularly among younger fans. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025 Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change. Christine Persaud, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for change
Recent Examples of Synonyms for change
Noun
  • No alteration is allowed – not even a car wash – before the defense gets a look.
    Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The designer only accepted about 20 orders at that time and allowed for minor alterations to each piece.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Developed by researchers from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and 8 Rivers, the system leverages fluctuations in energy demand by using liquid oxygen storage (LOX) to make power plants more cost-effective and efficient.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The fluctuations have a slightly larger magnitude on large-scales than small-scales, again consistent with inflation.
    Big Think, Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In the end, Krantz added, adopting a more strategic approach ultimately benefits customers, allowing companies to use their time and money more effectively by learning from the successes of others.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The Raiders have had three regimes pay really good money for three consecutive veteran quarterbacks who have been abominable.
    Vic Tafur, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While initially designed to be used in a rocket artillery system, it was modified to be attached to a first-person-view drone using a wooden stick, wire and duct tape, CAR said.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The researchers plan to address the light sensitivity issue by modifying how the vitamin interacts with the electrolyte and by improving the engineering of the flow cell itself.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Cut remaining biscuit sticks to varying lengths to form the graveyard fence.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Dates will vary, but Christmas markets across Europe generally open in mid- or late November and close around January 1.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This comes after Hamas and Israel have exchanged surviving hostages and prisoners in the first phase of a ceasefire deal for the war in Gaza.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The Kansas Young Republicans organization was deactivated on Tuesday following an investigation by Politico into a trove of racist and derogatory messages exchanged in a group chat between young GOP members in four states.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Here's what to know about Walmart's recent real estate moves and how shoppers could notice a difference.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The only difference is that now, instead of salaries, our income comes from investments.
    Alex Trias, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • What’s more, a pressure pattern in the Atlantic Ocean that helps direct a storm’s pattern, known as the North Atlantic oscillation, has shifted.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Atomic clocks keep time using the steady oscillations of atoms.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Change.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/change. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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