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 In the book’s 16 central chapters, Roden wanders from central categories such as yogurt, egg dishes, breads and pickles, showing how the countries of this region prepare stunning variations of common foodstuffs. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026 High end bars worldwide now offer tableside martini service, and martini menus feature ever-swelling variations on the classic theme. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 Heritability tells us how much of the variation in personality, or other traits, can be linked to genetics. — Jessica Craig, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026 Concrete is important again here, dictating the lack of material variation throughout the museum, the uniform thickness of the gallery walls, and the minimal slots of light at the junctions of many walls and ceilings. — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation

Noun

This system uses deep learning algorithms to link real-time computer vision (ultrasound interpretation) directly with physical motor control.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
This partly came down to lawmakers’ interpretations of religious principles.

— Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

Naturally, Varnell, deemed out of touch, is resistant to the characterization and the alterations, and much of the comedy is mined from the contrast between the older and younger characters.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Implementing even a small change to an analog system involves physical alterations such as wiring, disconnections, connections and hardware validation.

— Timor Brik, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of alteration

Noun

Adding to this bold take is the return of QB Daniel Jones, who will be nine months removed from right Achilles surgery when the season begins.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
While Michiganders may be more concerned about paying their utility and grocery bills, the take garnered national attention and caught the eye of people across the country who were willing to donate to el Sayed’s campaign.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of take

Noun

The big difference is that each fame-o will be paired with a non-famous friend or family member.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
Testing competing superconductors under matching conditions can help isolate differences caused by the materials themselves.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

Dorsey uses solid gold (as well as sterling silver), meaning its pieces are not classified as demi-fine, but a Dorsey diamond tennis necklace will set you back up to $20,000, rather than upwards of $30,000 to $40,000 for a natural diamond version.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
In real life, Murray Hill sometimes serves as an also-ran alongside its chic cousin, a Walmart Great Value version of the Village, but in this TV version, the opposite somehow came to be.

— Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of version

Noun

During the Brazilian’s tenure, there has been a significant degree of change well beyond his position and in the manager’s office.

— Paul Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Lawmakers have been eyeing changes like prohibiting lawmakers from dating staff members, updating reporting systems and retaliation protections, and increasing educational and training resources.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of change

Noun

CycloRP aims to work with existing engines without requiring hardware modifications.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Today, Richard Engel reports on the modifications some Ukrainians have made to daily life in the midst of a full-scale war with Russia, namely how doctors, patients, teachers and students have moved underground.

— Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 3 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of variation

noun

Example Sentences

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