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
The classic Manhattan has numerous variations on its mix of rye, vermouth, and bitters.
—
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
The satellite’s microwave radiometer can detect subtle variations in sea-surface salinity, which is critical for studying ocean circulation, freshwater fluxes, and climate patterns.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
While the main colors of the frogs are the same across specimens, there is a lot of variation between frogs of the new species.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Bobs aren’t new, variations have existed for centuries, from Cleopatra’s sleek chin-length cut to Joan of Arc’s bold cropped look.
—Donnetta Monk, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for variation
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
The satellite’s microwave radiometer can detect subtle variations in sea-surface salinity, which is critical for studying ocean circulation, freshwater fluxes, and climate patterns.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
While the main colors of the frogs are the same across specimens, there is a lot of variation between frogs of the new species.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Bobs aren’t new, variations have existed for centuries, from Cleopatra’s sleek chin-length cut to Joan of Arc’s bold cropped look.
—Donnetta Monk, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
Noun
-
Kassam expressed regret over the interpretation.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Dressed in orange, Ripa brought the prison drama to daytime with her hilarious interpretation of Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling).—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
So that seemingly innocent Machu Picchu stamp—one of the most popular souvenir stamps around—could be viewed not as a harmless keepsake but as an unauthorized alteration that might jeopardize your ability to travel.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Earlier alterations were made incrementally, and only after much deliberation.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
If anything went wrong with the take, Stone says there was no backup plan.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
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Not everyone agrees with this take, even on the right.—
Stephanie Psaki,
Time,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
With goal difference not a factor in this three-match format, there was no incentive for Miami to push forward in the final period, and Nashville never looked like turning the contest around.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Careful measurement of these differences might still allow scientists to distinguish between the two scenarios.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This is the web version of Term Sheet, a daily newsletter on the biggest deals and dealmakers in venture capital and private equity.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, and Xiaohongshu.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Women typically spend the middle 60% of their lives in relatively ill-health, due to hormonal changes, diagnostic delays, and other factors, and the last 30% of their lives in relatively good health.—
Alexei Oreskovic,
Fortune,
30 Oct. 2025
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Last season’s coaching cycle only featured 16 by the end of the year, which is relatively active, and 2023’s was the most aggressive in decades, with the likes of Alabama and Michigan headlining 31 changes.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
All projects come with complete source code access, giving creators full ownership and modification rights.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
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How to Make These Poses Easier While most people can practice yoga, modifications may be necessary to accommodate specific conditions and make the poses more accessible.—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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