Synonyms of change

change 1 of 2

noun

1

as in alteration

the act, process, or result of making different

the positive change in our students' attitude toward people who are somehow different was a long and gradual process

Synonyms & Similar Words

• alteration
• difference
• modification
• shift
• variation
• revision
• revise
• amendment
• adjustment
• remodeling
• redesign
• transformation
• reworking
• revamping
• reform
• review
• remaking
• fluctuation
• redoing
• refashioning
• mutation
• correction
• conversion
• metamorphosis
• deformation
• distortion
• replacement
• rectification
• oscillation
• displacement
• substitution
• tweak
• modulation
• transfiguration
• regulation
• redo

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stabilization
• fixation

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

• fluctuation
• oscillation
• flux
• transformation
• inconstancy
• metamorphosis
• mutation
• transmutation
• wavering
• transmogrification
• vacillation

3

as in money

something (as pieces of stamped metal or printed paper) customarily and legally used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment

she spent quite a chunk of change on that car

Synonyms & Similar Words

• money
• cash
• coin
• currency
• bucks
• dough
• funds
• gold
• green
• chips
• legal tender
• scratch
• coinage
• loot
• tender
• long green
• needful
• dollar
• lucre
• cabbage
• bread
• wampum
• kale
• pelf
• shekels
• resources
• moola
• money order
• lolly
• jack
• wallet
• paper money
• chump change
• promissory note
• bill
• specie
• finances
• roll
• capital
• means
• scrip
• draft
• folding money
• check
• note
• big bucks
• banknote
• dime
• abundance
• dead presidents
• bankroll
• mint
• bomb
• wealth
• pittance
• pocket money
• bundle
• fortune
• riches
• treasure
• spending money
• pin money
• pot
• wad
• greenback
• earth
• petty cash
• mite
• pile
• opulence
• peanuts
• shoestring
• wherewithal
• mad money
• megabucks
• packet
• cashier's check
• dibs
• boodle
• king's ransom

change

2 of 2

verb

ˈchānj 

1

as in to modify

to make different in some way

my wife has changed the look of our living room more times than we care to remember

Synonyms & Similar Words

• modify
• alter
• remodel
• transform
• rework
• vary
• revise
• remake
• recast
• redo
• refashion
• revamp
• revolutionize
• deform
• mutate
• make over
• metamorphose
• exchange
• convert
• transmute
• transfigure
• commute
• regenerate
• retool
• rejigger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• set
• fix
• stabilize
• freeze

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

• vary
• shift
• fluctuate
• mutate
• improve
• snap
• morph
• better
• deteriorate
• metamorphose
• transmute
• worsen
• turn around
• vacillate
• waver
• seesaw
• teeter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stabilize
• plateau

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

• exchange
• swap
• trade
• substitute
• shift
• switch
• replace
• commute
• supersede
• interchange
• displace
• surrender
• yield
• cede
• reciprocate
• hand over

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

Recent Examples of change

Noun

So there need to be some changes there. —Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026

Here’s a look at five other major changes—and what has stayed the same. —Sarah Garone, Health, 9 Jan. 2026

Verb

Lawmakers and officials have for years been trying to change the education funding formula to better reflect student needs, but those efforts have failed. —Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026

Here are some practical tips for adjusting to change, whether good or bad, to help make life a little easier. —Barton Goldsmith, AJC.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Phrases Containing change

• change of heart
• change one's mind (about)
• chump change
• small change