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 Pixel 10 Pro XL, however, is only available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variations, starting at $1,199. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 29 July 2026 Schrader and De Palma were immediately taken with the movie, and taken with the idea of creating their own variation on its themes. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 29 July 2026 But as with any exercise, there are variations — for example, changing the speed and control of the movement — that have different effects. — Kiera Carter, Washington Post, 29 July 2026 Others used the opportunity to beg Nothing Bundt Cakes to bring back previous flavors or variations of old favorites. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation

Noun

Owner Tony Choe’s interpretation of onigiri is far from traditional, using both white and purple sushi rice to surround fillings of spicy tuna, sweet corn and Spam.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Leaders must recognize that words carry historical and emotional weight, often leading to unintended interpretations by employees.

— Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

That change will be accompanied by significant alterations to the competition structure, which includes divisions and a new postseason format.

— Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Some alterations were made for the WPBL, including a temporary outfield fence that shortened the center field fence from 415 to 330 feet and other dimensions accordingly.

— James Raia, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of alteration

Noun

This is a more bullish take than the German bank's previous forecast on June 23, written when inflation fears were rife.

— Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Harrelson wrote, directed and starred in Lost in London, the first feature film shot in a single continuous take and broadcast live to theaters.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of take

Noun

With few exceptions, Southerners are pretty strict about the differences between cakes, pies, cobblers, and candies.

— Josh Miller, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
At that scale, the difference between $1 and 20 cents per million input tokens becomes a serious procurement issue.

— Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

Transforming a military barracks into a luxury hotel isn’t an easy task, particularly when the building, dating from 1699, is so historic that structural changes are forbidden.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
When brand new entry-level telescopes start at a few hundred dollars, the idea of getting anything decent for pocket change sounds like a pipe dream.

— Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of change

Noun

Habitat modifications, such as turning off water fountains during the winter or making islands accessible to humans so geese don’t get too comfortable, may also work.

— Mark Vrtiska, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
Removing walls for an open floor plan changes airflow patterns, and a single thermostat may struggle to keep temperatures consistent across a larger space, sometimes requiring HVAC modifications to stay comfortable.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of variation

noun

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