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
This year’s selection committee reflects the broad and diverse influence of leaders driving change in the industry. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025 The Cleveland Browns made a change at the quarterback position on Wednesday ahead of the team’s Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
Through the compassionate yet rigorous structures of restorative justice and the generosity of two people who might have spent their lives hating him, Dunne changed course. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025 An employee that stayed close to Ramos and Pegasus during his recent Holtz visit, for example, closely monitored the interactions, making sure the kids cleaned their hands properly and, at times, changed gowns following their interactions with the horse. Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for change
Recent Examples of Synonyms for change
Noun
  • However, these don’t exhibit such dramatic alterations in brightness.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Soft drink consumption and depression mediated by gut microbiome alterations.
    Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement The 1940 Statement formalized this system after a period of fluctuation and gave it teeth by requiring universities to give faculty due process before termination.
    Time, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
  • For a mere 160 milliseconds, a periodic gamma-ray fluctuation appeared in the light of the event.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Is intuitive budgeting effective for saving money?
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • With less money being invested by record labels into touring, that has created a top-heavy artist hierarchy, with the rich getting richer and the poor and middle class falling by the wayside.
    Roy Trakin, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After graduating from college, Pendleton began her career as a cartographic engineer, designing and modifying maps at the dawn of the computer age.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Last year, Decker’s ex-wife, Whitney Decker, reportedly filed a petition to modify the family’s parenting plan, citing his worsening mental health issues.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Inclusions will vary widely as some destinations allow for more independence on the itinerary.
    Mary Curry, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Both continents coexist and compete to produce the most influential companies in financial technology, though the paths taken and outcomes achieved often vary widely.
    Aman Ghei, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Since the African Growth and Opportunity Act was implemented in 2000, sub-Saharan African nations have exchanged goods duty-free with the US, boosting trans-Atlantic trade.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 30 Sep. 2025
  • That calmness, however, was soon overtaken by the kitchen, with the hiss of the pans, stir of the pots and sharp calls exchanged between cooks quickly filling the air, along with the sounds of an upbeat Peruvian song playing in the background.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And here, roundabouts make a major difference because drivers don’t turn left in front of oncoming traffic.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • But its differences will also keep it fresh, since Borderland has a sci-fi twist to it, whereas Squid Game is grounded in the real world.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For example, if an electric motor normally draws 20 A at 100 Hz oscillation, an unexplained 30 A or 150 Hz jump could signal bearing damage.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025
  • During my outdoor run, the SE 3 also measured my calories, distance, elevation gain, pace, time, and advanced form metrics like power, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and stride length.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Change.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/change. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

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