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 Analyzing them together helps cancel some random variations and isolate the underlying physics. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 This story matters because the discovery began with human genetic variation that might otherwise have received less attention. — Segun Fatumo, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026 The Bon Appétit Test Kitchen has created 18 dishes, including breakfasts and variations for sides and salads to complement your family staples. — Jamila Robinson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 Models Kylie Jenner, Candice Swanepoel, Joan Smalls, Anok Yai and more walked the runway wearing a few variations of clear Amina Muaddi heels. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation

Noun

The Many Worlds interpretation is gaining momentum as a candidate to solve the quantum measurement problem.

— Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Attorneys for the plaintiffs in both cases argue that Congress could ban a broad array of activities inside private homes — including cooking, gardening and remote work — under the government’s interpretation of the 19th century law.

— Michael Kunzelman, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

For those playing Saturday, the Powerball top prize is $600 million and the Florida Lotto has a $5 million big take.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Inspired by those family photographs from the early aughts, as well as some runway looks from the ‘80s and ‘90s, Snell styled the film with a more modern take.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of take

Noun

These functions can obscure crucial differences in how these activities are designed to reward users; a relatively small parlay wager can offer the possibility of an outsized, immediate payout if multiple outcomes occur.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The major difference is the old North Flag had a power reserve indicator, whereas the new one ditches that in favor of a GMT complication.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

That draft bill is a legislative version of an AI safety framework the company has been pitching for months, a company spokesperson told Semafor.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026
The composition of these jets isn’t crystal clear, but scientists suspect electrons, positrons (the antimatter versions of electrons) and perhaps protons are pulled along swirling magnetic lines before being sent out from the black hole’s poles.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of version

Noun

The electronic shelf labels make frequent changes easier but don't necessarily lead to higher prices during periods of strong demand.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Among the recommendations is a change that would change the village’s single-family residential districts to neighborhood residential districts, potentially opening them up to multi-unit housing.

— Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of change

Noun

Do the same exercise as noted above, with or without the modification, with your feet together and uncrossed.

— Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Its existing capabilities provide a starting point for the conversion, although the transport configuration cannot perform the new mission without substantial modifications.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of variation

noun

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