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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of variation
To solve the problem, the researchers used AI to generate variations in environmental conditions during robot training.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
The look also adds a variation on the modern royal power suit moment, with other famous royals like Kate Middleton, among others, regularly styling suited looks.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
That variation makes understanding local water conditions an important first step for households considering additional filtration.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Before 1965, American elections pitted two majority-white parties against each other, with significant regional variations.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
The look also adds a variation on the modern royal power suit moment, with other famous royals like Kate Middleton, among others, regularly styling suited looks.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
That variation makes understanding local water conditions an important first step for households considering additional filtration.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Before 1965, American elections pitted two majority-white parties against each other, with significant regional variations.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
Noun
-
In contrast, a decision by a judge is governed by stare decisis, the legal principle that courts must adhere to interpretations of law set by past decisions and that lower courts must follow higher courts when in the same jurisdiction.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2026
-
Working with gaffer Jim Plannette, Schiffman referenced classic films while adding his own interpretation, capturing the sequence on 35mm color film stock and converting it to black and white.—
Daron James,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
The stadium will need several alterations to accommodate the soccer team, including changes to the field, improvements on the HVAC system, flood and drainage repairs, and other structural fixes.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
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While the rotary knob that surrounds the ignition button provides quick access to the various drive modes (which includes a customizable Individual mode), hard buttons for features like damper stiffness and exhaust volume allow for specific alterations to the driving experience on the fly.—
Bradley Iger,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The series, directed by Philip Barantini in four unbroken continuous takes, follows Jamie Miller (Cooper), a 13-year-old arrested for the murder of a classmate, and the family and institutions left scrambling in the aftermath.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
10 May 2026
-
The entire scene was unscripted and done in one take, showing a real-life conversation unfold among Moss-Bachrach, Bernthal and Evans over a chili cheese dog, a pizza puff and a lemonade.—
Anna Ortiz,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
In practice, though, designing a policy that acts wisely on this difference is all but impossible.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
For Edison, junior Hayden Pham was a difference-maker throughout the match.—
Dan Rios,
Daily News,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
The Senate version of the bill already passed that chamber.—
Dené K. Dryden,
Twin Cities,
8 May 2026
-
Then there’s the companion album Norteña, out on May 14, which plays like an audio version of her exercise in reflection and nostalgia.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The spinoff will feature Beth Dutton riding horses more frequently, a change from her character's past trauma.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Perhaps the most controversial coaching change of the offseason came in Buffalo, as the Bills moved on from Sean McDermott and elevated Brady, the offensive coordinator, to take his place.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The shift to an all-wheel park requires no construction modifications and would utilize separate sessions to maintain safety and maximize facility activity, city officials said.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
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WaiV Robotics’ system allows uncrewed aerial vehicles to launch and recover from vessels as small as 10 m long without requiring modifications to the drone’s hardware or software.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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