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 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

Noun

Today, Olde Naples Hotel rises beside its historic predecessor as a new-build interpretation rather than a reconstruction.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
This perception of threat, intertwined with a harsh interpretation of religious morality, dominated 17th-century life, with the optimistic, protective and compassionate aspects of Christianity often overpowered by fear and a desire to judge.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 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

For a more restrained take, Simon Miller places fringe along a mini hem, and Ulla Johnson works it into the bodice for a more unexpected finish.

— Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026
Featuring traditional mariachi arrangements and Álvarez’s unmistakable voice, the four-song EP offers a fresh and emotional take that departs from the norteño and banda styles he is known for.

— Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of take

Noun

On a longer flight, having some additional neck support can make a significant difference.

— Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
The big difference is space, with the standard room having a footprint of 350 square feet, whereas the suite has an additional 500 square feet to spread out.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

Grab the pants in a classic blue wash, white à la Stewart, or in a brown shade inspired by Middleton’s version.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026
The impulse to hate, rather than love, thy neighbor—especially one who practiced a different version of the same faith—was also depressingly strong.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of version

Noun

People left their parishes to fight in the wars, or to run away from the wars; many fled because of religious or political change, or disruption to trade or food supply, or simply relocated to take up new opportunities.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
The team also mapped this change to the ventrolateral striatum (VLS), an area of the striatum involved particularly in movements of the mouth and tongue.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

variants

variation

variations

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of variation

noun

Example Sentences

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