Synonyms of variation

variation

noun

ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən 

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

• interpretation
• take
• version
• riff
• adaptation
• translation

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

• alteration
• difference
• change
• modification
• revision
• shift
• amendment
• revise
• adjustment
• remodeling
• reworking
• fluctuation
• mutation
• redesign
• review
• transformation
• revamping
• remaking
• refashioning
• reform
• redoing
• deformation
• distortion
• oscillation
• correction
• substitution
• conversion
• metamorphosis
• rectification
• displacement
• replacement
• modulation
• regulation
• tweak
• transfiguration
• redo

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fixation
• stabilization

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of variation

An employee needs to know how the line reacts when there are small variations in the ingredients, humidity or in case the machine is out of tolerance range. — Ihor Yurchenko, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Small variations in genetics, especially those genes involved in sensing molecules produced in the body or influenced by the gut biome, could affect the results. — Baltimore Sun, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

Of those, 15 were incorporated on a single day, all using variations of the same suite number, despite prohibitions on hospices using the same office. — Jason Henry, Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026

But there’s always the risk that the variations become lifeless facsimiles. — Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 8 Aug. 2026