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 The bob continues its reign as one of 2026’s defining haircuts, with everyone from Margot Robbie and Rosalía to Katie Holmes embracing variations on the chop. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 Property managers should be prepared for more variation in both properties and living arrangements, adapting their processes, technology and expertise as the housing market evolves. — Nathan Miller, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Handcrafted from natural stone, the board features unique variations that give it an organic, one-of-a-kind look that’s suitable for year-round use. — Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2026 Even when calibrated to the same D65 white point, the same image on an OLED and quantum dot LED can look identical to one person, but different to another because of biological variations in our eyes. — John Higgins, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation

Noun

Concurrent with these updates, ZDHC published a PFAS position paper and practical interpretations, which reinforces the organization’s position against the intentional use of the substances in the textile, apparel, leather and footwear supply chain.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Given some of the uncertainty that can result as social media discussions make spot interpretations of data, producers expect to use new graphics and standards to make races easier to understand.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

Mahendra said the suspects would be charged under Article 258 of Indonesia’s new Criminal Code, which prohibits the unlawful interception, recording, diversion, alteration, obstruction or monitoring of nonpublic electronic communications.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
Weber has joined state Attorney General Rob Bonta in challenging local election changes in court, including Huntington Beach's voter ID law and Shasta County's Measure B, which proposed significant alterations to voting and ballot counting.

— Senior Editor, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of alteration

Noun

Williams joined Penny Taylor in 2007 for Phoenix as the only players in WNBA history to score 30 points or more in a winner-takes-all Finals game.

— Janie McCauley, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
The numbers were flattered by roughly $20 million in sales attributed to earlier-than-expected wholesale shipments, including $15 million of Michael Kors sales and $5 million of Jimmy Choo’s take.

— Evan Clark, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of take

Noun

Gallup found no difference in scam victimization rates by age, and experienced professionals have been duped as well.

— Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
The old boy was perfectly reasonable, explaining the difference between federal reimbursement and state reimbursement, and the speed that agencies move on the different levels.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

Previous versions included the planet’s core, mantle, crust and stellar radiation but did not account for the surface and atmosphere.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
Handle what truly needs you, and protect a smaller version of your original intention if necessary.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of version

Noun

People heading into the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period with plans to sign up for insurance should expect a variety of changes in 2027, including higher premiums and fewer coverage options.

— Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
The second-generation prototype, Max 2, is expected to incorporate several hardware changes.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of change

Noun

According to information available, Max incorporates several modifications to Fourier’s existing designs, including changes to its body proportions, head, display, and camera arrangement.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
In addition to the 30 positions set to be eliminated, the organizational modifications will also include shifts to department structures, personnel and responsibilities, as well as the creation of several new positions, the statement said.

— CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of modification

Browse Nearby Words

variants

variation

variations

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Style

“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of variation

noun

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