VARIATION Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

variation

noun

ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən

Definition of variation

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

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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of variation Once a specialized robotic factory can handle enough variation within its process, its capacity becomes useful across multiple products and customers. — Dhanush Bakthavatchalam, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026 Post-Hinkie, the league experimented with variations of the lottery, but none of them could deter teams from losing on purpose. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2026 Their occupational exposure scores explain only about half the real variation in adoption. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 One finding that will come as no surprise to hospital staff is a variation across the week, with a slightly higher mortality rate between Friday and Monday – most likely as a result of drug overdoses. — Mike McRae 08, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation

Noun

This system uses deep learning algorithms to link real-time computer vision (ultrasound interpretation) directly with physical motor control.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
This partly came down to lawmakers’ interpretations of religious principles.

— Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

Most of these alterations are trivial, although one major change, coming near the end, is a very bad idea.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
At the Federal Center on Dearborn Street, post-9/11 security alterations have severely compromised one of the city’s most powerful urban designs.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of alteration

Noun

Adding to this bold take is the return of QB Daniel Jones, who will be nine months removed from right Achilles surgery when the season begins.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
While Michiganders may be more concerned about paying their utility and grocery bills, the take garnered national attention and caught the eye of people across the country who were willing to donate to el Sayed’s campaign.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of take

Noun

The big difference is that each fame-o will be paired with a non-famous friend or family member.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
Testing competing superconductors under matching conditions can help isolate differences caused by the materials themselves.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

The product launches on Wednesday were accompanied by a pledge to make public a beta version of Apple's latest operating system — iOS 27 — in October.

— John Ruwitch, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026
This spring, the act was included in the House’s version of the Farm Bill, the legislative package that covers much of US agricultural policy.

— Kenny Torrella, Vox, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of version

Noun

During the Brazilian’s tenure, there has been a significant degree of change well beyond his position and in the manager’s office.

— Paul Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Lawmakers have been eyeing changes like prohibiting lawmakers from dating staff members, updating reporting systems and retaliation protections, and increasing educational and training resources.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of change

Noun

Law enforcement agencies have partnered with the company to speed up investigations by having access to a database that logs vehicle information like license plate, make, model, dents or modifications.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
The Dispatch is made with an all-aluminum monocoque construction that helps simplify field repairs, assembly, and modification using basic tools.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of modification

Browse Nearby Words

variants

variation

variations

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Style

“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of variation

noun

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