1
as in interpretation
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play)
the movie begins with a somewhat irreverent variation on the Nativity story
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in alteration
the act, process, or result of making different
the latest in a long line of variations in her hair color
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of variation
But though basketball and baseball are vastly different games, the Warriors might be able to execute some variation of that tactic on the court.
—
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Chick-n-Minis are a tiny variation of Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Biscuit.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
That said, not all genetic variations of Forastero are bitter, or common.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
At least eight other variations of the character have appeared periodically over the years.
—Seán McMahon, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Chick-n-Minis are a tiny variation of Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Biscuit.
—Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
That said, not all genetic variations of Forastero are bitter, or common.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
At least eight other variations of the character have appeared periodically over the years.
—Seán McMahon, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
Noun
-
South Korea’s legislature hasn’t ratified the trade agreement due to a dispute over conflicting interpretations of its implementation.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
-
His administration has long advocated for a broad interpretation of the Second Amendment.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
An Australian study of advanced brain images found significant alterations even among people who had already recovered from mild infections — a possible explanation for cognitive deficits that may persist for years.—
Stephanie Armour,
Miami Herald,
28 Jan. 2026
-
An Australian study of advanced brain images found significant alterations even among people who had already recovered from mild infections — a possible explanation for cognitive deficits that may persist for years.—
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Under the league’s proposal, players would receive in excess of 70% of net revenue — though that would be their take of the profits after expenses are paid.—
Doug Feinberg,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Jan. 2026
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The best months for the state’s total take are April 2024 ($18,945,301), November ($16,728,516), this past month ($14,672,613), October ($14,066,214), and November 2024 ($14,057,587).—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
These scenarios produce different outcomes, and residents deserve to see those differences before decisions are locked in.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
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One notable difference from the earlier meeting was the job Fullerton did against Cal Poly’s Peter Bandelj.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There’s a version of this story that is easy and uplifting, where the hawk symbolizes freedom and saves Helen’s life and everyone lives happily ever after.—
Adam Graham,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
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That is not to say the theatrical versions are bad, but given the density of Tolkien’s work and Jackson’s movies, the additions give the story and many characters room to breathe.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Similar proposals have drawn alarm from voting rights groups, which say such changes could lead to widespread problems for voters.—
LISA MASCARO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Most patients show changes in the fluid that surrounds the brain, commonly seen in other viral brain infections.—
Michal Ruprecht,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The 55-acre lot, once a silent-era movie site and later home to productions like Gilligan’s Island and Seinfeld, will be returned to lenders led by Goldman following months of unsuccessful modification talks.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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The team collected skin samples from the dolphins to measure DNA methylation patterns—biochemical modifications that determine which genes are activated—in order to estimate their biological ages.—
Hasmik Kirakosyan,
Scientific American,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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