variation

noun

ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce variation (audio)
Definition of variationnext
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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of variation Fancy Free This Old Fashioned variation is an Improved Whiskey Cocktail (whiskey, maraschino, bitters, and absinthe) without the absinthe. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026 The state dinner guest list offered still more variations on public engagement style. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 There are a few variations, such as Corn Moon, Barley Moon and Wine Moon, but all reflect the seasonal gathering of crops and fruits. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Imagine a system that flags hundreds of concerns but cannot distinguish meaningful deterioration from routine variation. — Arpan Saxena, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
  1. interpretation
  2. alteration
  3. take
  4. difference
  5. version
  6. change
  7. modification
Noun
  • The exact nature of the relationship between the two men is left open for interpretation, and has been publicly commented on by some involved in the production.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The herd exposes interpretation before the leader becomes the subject of the interpretation.
    — Paula Johnston, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • Cardtoons won because its alteration of the players’ appearances was deemed sufficiently inventive and, through parody, the cards reflected social commentary protected by the First Amendment that outweighed the players’ publicity rights claims.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This included performing the first-ever lunar-Earth flyby in August 2024, and grabbing a speed boost and trajectory alteration from the second planet from the sun, Venus, a year later in August 2025.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of alteration
Noun
  • So that was one that was not just written on electric, that was written and recorded in one take.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • But on the day of the final take, right at the decisive moment, the bell didn’t ring.
    — Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of take
Noun
  • Functional connectivity in the fetal brain develops substantially later in gestation, with measurable differences in brain activity and facial responses to noxious versus innocuous stimulation appearing at approximately 33 weeks.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Three-dimensional light fields could provide a new way to probe these subtle differences because the fields themselves can have chiral, or handed, properties.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • Daily activities ranging from Zodiac whale watching excursions to bear-viewing by kayak make this feel like the Pacific Coast version of an African safari.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Luria said investors have seen versions of this story before and aren’t buying it.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of version
Noun
  • In addition to easing federal regulations, the bill also encourages states and cities to reform their land-use rules, which would mark a significant change in the federalist system with respect to city planning.
    — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Even Meta’s settlement with the attorneys general, which requires changes to features aimed at teens, contains plenty of unknowns and ties some of its actionability to competitors doing the same.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of change
Noun
  • Among adults 50 and older who expect to need home modifications, 72% anticipate bathroom changes like grab bars or non-slip tile, according to AARP.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Among adults 50 and older who anticipate needing modifications, 72% expect bathroom changes like grab bars or non-slip surfaces, according to AARP.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of modification

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variation
variations
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Cite this Entry

“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about variation

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