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
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Recent Examples of variation
Although the role of the artist agent is becoming increasingly professionalized, informal variations on the job have existed for decades.
—
Rachel Corbett,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
The Lotus bangles exemplify that thinking—open, architectural lines invite light to pass through the forms, casting reflections and subtle tonal variations as the wrist moves—objects made to engage naturally with the body.
—
Jill Newman,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
The trio of Plethodon salamanders, the southern gray-cheeked, red-cheeked and red-legged salamanders, were once thought to be regional variations of the same species.
—
Torben Rick,
The Conversation,
18 June 2026
These decisions can result in significant variation between products.
—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Rachel Corbett,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
The Lotus bangles exemplify that thinking—open, architectural lines invite light to pass through the forms, casting reflections and subtle tonal variations as the wrist moves—objects made to engage naturally with the body.
—
Jill Newman,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
The trio of Plethodon salamanders, the southern gray-cheeked, red-cheeked and red-legged salamanders, were once thought to be regional variations of the same species.
—
Torben Rick,
The Conversation,
18 June 2026
These decisions can result in significant variation between products.
—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
Noun
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Host cities, many of whom already feel burned by the scale of costs associated with preparing for the World Cup, have taken a very literal interpretation of the contractual obligations.
-
Anything that challenges that interpretation of what ancient history is threatens their identity in terms of their gender and racial identities.
Noun
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The key difference is that rather than suggesting preset visuals, the AI Camera Assistant is ostensibly reacting to the scene, subject, and lighting to dynamically suggest the best alterations for that specific moment — that’s the AI of it all.
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The combination of a structure design that did not meet building codes and alterations made to it over its 40 years meant that the other parts of the pool deck weren’t strong enough to withstand the extra load, leading to the type of slow-motion collapse.
Noun
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How could somebody who's quite literally removed from her take that on?
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In the director’s view, fragmented editing breaks emotional continuity; an unbroken take mirrors the uninterrupted flow of lived experience.
Noun
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Premium ticket sales made up the difference, and 60% of Delta’s total revenue now comes from higher-margin lines like premium cabins, loyalty programs, and cargo.
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Stay Vigilant While bed bugs are notoriously tricky to eliminate, layered treatment strategies can make all the difference.
Noun
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The letter does not include permission for Anthropic to release Fable, a less powerful version of Mythos.
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This mini version is an iteration of the ‘90s styles spotted on Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Gwyneth Paltrow, and is modeled in this era by the likes of Ayo Edebiri and Nicola Coughlan.
Noun
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Another notable change was Potter trusting Zetterström with the start as goalkeeper.
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Accidents and travel changes might occur late in the day.
Noun
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Horvath said the county hopes to receive tens of millions of dollars in state funding for additional brush clearance, fuel modification, home hardening and other initiatives.
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These modifications are specific, positional and increasingly mappable.
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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