change 1 of 2

Definition of changenext
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

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
Through losing seasons, coaching changes and quarterback roulette, Evans remained the constant. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026 Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
On-the-job learning, with internships and apprenticeships, is becoming more commonplace, and the job market is, with fits and starts, trying to find its way as workplace demands are changing at blinding speed. James Cramer, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2026 But Alcala said the political landscape has changed in the years since 2004. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for change
Recent Examples of Synonyms for change
Noun
  • One major alteration is how the death of Scarpetta’s father impacts her future career.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The alteration was discovered in a copy of the Book of the Dead (a tome filled with spells meant to aid the dead in their passage to the afterlife) that is believed to have been commissioned for a royal archive supervisor named Rambose.
    News Desk, Artforum, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The fluctuations continued a period of extreme market volatility this week that saw prices reach almost $120 on Monday.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Headrick and the Yankees believe the velocity fluctuations occurred because the pitcher was still transitioning from being a starter in Minnesota’s organization.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The money will help the designer fund Tuesday’s show, relaunch his e-commerce site, invest in marketing and out-of-home advertising in Georgia, and develop new categories like bags and shoes.
    Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • With that in mind, the USA TODAY Cars team compiled a list of tips that could help drivers save money on gas.
    Keith Laing, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Starbucks’ new rewards system kicked in on Tuesday, March 10, modifying the way its app users earn freebies.
    Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The current stadium layout has bleacher sections (bench seating) but those are being modified to include seat backs, while video boards and wi-fi infrastructure are being improved.
    Dean Jones, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This approach allows for ramping up or down instantly to maintain high efficiency across varying loads and perfectly match the natural, fluctuating power profile of the sun and wind.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
  • All were active in Los Angeles — Williams, for instance, was a pivotal designer on the LAX Theme Building — and Smith interlaces decorative flourishes in varying styles that twist around one another to work up the Legacy Tower’s pointed spheres.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Panama’s Jonathan Araúz exchanged shouts and pushes with manager José Mayorga when the pinch hitter returned to the dugout after grounding out leading off the ninth.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • When allegations of misconduct arose against Krauss at ASU, the physicist exchanged dozens of messages and emails with Epstein seeking advice on how to handle them.
    Scott Neuman, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But ultimately, San Diego’s quality was the difference, as Anders Dreyer’s first-half goal gave the visitors a 1-0 win.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Coby White’s influence There’s a distinct difference with the Hornets’ second unit and that has a lot to do with Coby White’s arrival.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This oscillation between panoramic distance and tactile proximity animates the forest as a sentient protagonist, one who occasionally addresses visitors in a woman’s voice.
    Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
  • This oscillation between rage at one’s own powerlessness and fantasies of violence is the song’s motive force.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Change.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/change. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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