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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of variation
Once the master asset is signed off, teams create shorter edits, vertical versions, localised cuts, social versions, paid media versions and platform-specific formats, and each new variation adds time, cost and coordination.
—
Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Since the light from each of those took different paths to Earth, and thus different amounts of time, this suggests there have been variations in QSO1’s emissions—consistent with a black hole feeding on different amounts of material over time.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026
Speaking of seafood, Feld offers one cocktail that’s their variation on the freezer door martini, or a premixed cocktail kept ice-cold.
—Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
There are even variations within each type.
—Tc Sottek, The Verge, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Since the light from each of those took different paths to Earth, and thus different amounts of time, this suggests there have been variations in QSO1’s emissions—consistent with a black hole feeding on different amounts of material over time.
—ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026
Speaking of seafood, Feld offers one cocktail that’s their variation on the freezer door martini, or a premixed cocktail kept ice-cold.
—Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
There are even variations within each type.
—Tc Sottek, The Verge, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
Noun
-
Smoky paperbark-roasted fish is served with sugarloaf, potatoes and kelp, a theatrical fresh take on a classic campfire supper, while the prawn sandwich is a wonderful interpretation of the Aussie favorite, made with brioche and avocado.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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And what do the fates of these men say about how and through whom the show defines audacity — a word that has two different interpretations and uses?—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Unlike existing approaches that rely on a small number of biomarkers, MutationProjector analyzes the broader combination of genetic alterations present in a tumor.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 June 2026
-
Those moves led to major postseason alterations.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Sometimes Demie’s friends will send her takes from the internet about her relative lack of fame.—
Seija Rankin,
HollywoodReporter,
31 May 2026
-
The Human Is Staying In The Picture (Mostly) Screenwriter and director Paul Schrader, at nearly 80 years old an unlikely technology provocateur, delivered a talk at AI on the Lot peppered with pot-stirring takes.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Even a middle school student would perceive a stark difference between someone who voices a bogus theory and someone who acts on it.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
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The shooting also raised questions about differences in security approaches between major public events.—
Ben Wheeler
May 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
There is no version of this where producers absorb tens of billions of dollars in new liability and don’t pass it on.—
Yaël Ossowski,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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The delivery system for injectable versions of weight loss drugs is more complicated than for a pill.—
Maia Rosenfeld,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Given the pace of change in AI, some have argued that agreeing to a four-year term — instead of the typical three — would be a mistake.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
5 June 2026
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In the production, directed by Jo Bonney, Susanna arrives there before realizing what has happened, a scene change that moves briskly enough to surprise you in the audience too.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
5 June 2026
Noun
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The LHDs can also provide air support with short-takeoff-and-landing multirole fighters, previously the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II and, with certain modifications, the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II.—
Peter Suciu,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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Ductwork inspection and modifications Your ductwork acts as the circulatory system for your home’s climate control.—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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