Synonyms of variance

variance

noun

ˈver-ē-ən(t)s 

as in friction

a lack of agreement or harmony

persistent variance within the rock band eventually caused it to break up

Synonyms & Similar Words

• friction
• discord
• discordance
• conflict
• strife
• discordancy
• war
• dissent
• schism
• division
• warfare
• dispute
• dissonance
• clash
• disharmony
• dissension
• disunity
• hostility
• disagreement
• altercation
• divide
• infighting
• inharmony
• disaccord
• argument
• contention
• disunion
• dissidence
• collision
• debate
• inconsistency
• competition
• fight
• quarrel
• fissure
• incongruence
• incompatibility
• incongruity
• brawl
• antagonism
• animosity
• inconsistence
• row
• squabble
• run-in
• spat
• falling-out
• enmity
• tiff
• wrangle
• bicker
• cold war
• mix-up
• rancor
• ill will
• jar
• incongruousness
• antipathy
• scrap
• inconsonance
• inharmoniousness
• hassle
• miff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreement
• peace
• harmony
• accord
• cooperation
• concordance
• concurrence
• concord

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun variance contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of variance are conflict, contention, discord, dissension, and strife. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

In what contexts can conflict take the place of variance?

The meanings of conflict and variance largely overlap; however, conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

Where would contention be a reasonable alternative to variance?

While the synonyms contention and variance are close in meaning, contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When is discord a more appropriate choice than variance?

The words discord and variance can be used in similar contexts, but discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When would dissension be a good substitute for variance?

In some situations, the words dissension and variance are roughly equivalent. However, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

When is it sensible to use strife instead of variance?

While in some cases nearly identical to variance, strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of variance

Ustler purchased the property only after a variance, which had requested 10 on-site spaces where 18 would normally be required, was granted. —Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2026

Axmann and her neighbors are fighting against the variance. —Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 4 June 2026

Do reports explain variance or only present totals? 3. —Anthony A. Luna, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

There can be some variance in that, especially with such a small sample. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 May 2026

Phrases Containing variance

• at variance