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
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of variation
Building pull-up strength takes time and consistent training with pulling exercises, assisted variations, and grip-strength work.
—
Christa Sgobba, Health, 12 June 2026
Use the recipe for a traditional Spaghett as a formula to mix up the other variations.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026
This modern bookcase comes in five acrylic color variations to seamlessly blend in with your existing decor.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
Plus, with so many color options and variations of style, owning a linen shirt is really a nonnegotiable for summer.
—Sydney Pulaski, Glamour, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Christa Sgobba, Health, 12 June 2026
Use the recipe for a traditional Spaghett as a formula to mix up the other variations.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026
This modern bookcase comes in five acrylic color variations to seamlessly blend in with your existing decor.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026
Plus, with so many color options and variations of style, owning a linen shirt is really a nonnegotiable for summer.
—Sydney Pulaski, Glamour, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
Noun
-
In correspondence discouraging districts’ diversity programs, the administration has repeatedly cited a broad interpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, which prevented colleges and universities from directly considering race in admissions.—
Annie Ma,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
Microdistiller Jackie Summers’ Sorel Liqueur — a modern interpretation of the Red Drink — adds its rich blend of hibiscus, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg to the Lake Breeze.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Talks between senior figures from the engine manufacturers are taking place in Monaco this weekend before the next Power Unit Advisory Committee meeting takes place in a couple of weeks, where possible alterations or new proposals are likely to be evaluated.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
-
So, that is a separate alteration, a separate change from that cam housing clearance change, that adjustment.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The script evolved day by day on location, with scenes sometimes conceived in the moment, and the team held themselves to a discipline of one take per day.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
15 June 2026
-
The impacts of pumping take years, maybe decades to be fully manifested.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Whether those disputes are merely differences in public messaging, or reflect something deeper that could cause the agreement to collapse, remains unclear.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
Pairing them with a meal containing some fat, even avocado toast or yogurt with nuts, makes a real difference.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The son of Nigerian parents born in New York but raised in England was something of a free agent, and even after playing for the US Under-18 team, could have gone into the international soccer version of the transfer portal.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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The researchers were curious whether the photon might be able to destroy the past version of itself—akin to a person traveling back in time to kill their grandfather, thus preventing themselves from ever being born.—
Clara Moskowitz,
Scientific American,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The event will convene changemakers, creatives and leaders across industries to inspire accessible, impactful philanthropy by breaking down barriers to meaningful change.—
THR Staff,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
-
Continuous change demands continuous learning.—
Michael Edmondson,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Engineers can address operability concerns while modifications remain easier and less costly.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
12 June 2026
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Already can’t wait to see Ocean North after the modifications.—
Scott Kramer,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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