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
The problem with pitching, however, is any adjustment would result in a profound change to the sport. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025 Likewise, Kumiko Ogawa’s costumes include character-defining garments as well as elaborate getups for the plays, some of which are constructed for suspenseful onstage costume changes. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
Does something fundamentally change? Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025 The short, protected paddling route offers landing options aplenty if conditions change. Outside, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for change
Recent Examples of Synonyms for change
Noun
  • Such alterations can include rerouting planes or delaying flights when there are not enough controllers to handle the normal workload.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Modern neuroscience now reveals that intense negative experiences can produce measurable physiological changes in the brain, alterations in connectivity, activation patterns, and stress response networks, akin to the effects of a physical injury.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Same-store sales is an important restaurant industry metric used to smooth out the impact of store closures and openings, as well as currency fluctuations.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025
  • That means that is may be that the fluctuations themselves, not just high pressure, also pose a threat.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Alamosa County Sheriff's Office announced the news and said that no additional details would be provided, and Barry's lawyer would only say that the money to secure his client's bond came from his friends and supporters.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Those past titles didn’t come amid this new era of unlimited transfers and name, image and likeness money, which have flattened the top of the sport.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The thing that is inevitable in my mind is death, but aging can be totally modified.
    Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Shabani added that the work shows how modifying crystal structures can unlock new electronic properties.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Halloween weather forecast in Ohio by region Residents across Ohio can expect a mix of clouds and cooler temperatures this Halloween, with conditions varying slightly by city, according to AccuWeather.
    Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The protective materials used in most vehicles today are static, designed for specific impact scenarios and unable to adapt to varying conditions.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 1949 Abducted Persons (Recovery and Restoration) Act provides the framework by which Lajo’s husband and brother return from India to get her; under that edict, India and Pakistan agreed to exchange abducted women.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
  • After a few messages were exchanged, the 31-year-old went to his local Food Lion and ticked away at the items on the mom’s grocery list.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With goal difference not a factor in this three-match format, there was no incentive for Miami to push forward in the final period, and Nashville never looked like turning the contest around.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Careful measurement of these differences might still allow scientists to distinguish between the two scenarios.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This prevents stray heat from disrupting the atoms’ oscillations.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
  • That’s five times the oscillation degree of our other picks.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Change.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/change. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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