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
Among the study’s most notable findings is the variation in savings by location.
—
Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Valuing comfort above all else, this timeless silhouette can be modernized with various upholstery (including a few timely check variations) and wood shells.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 9 Apr. 2026
This area rug has a subtle design and pile variations throughout that add depth and texture to your space.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
And there’s the whole variation.
—Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Valuing comfort above all else, this timeless silhouette can be modernized with various upholstery (including a few timely check variations) and wood shells.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 9 Apr. 2026
This area rug has a subtle design and pile variations throughout that add depth and texture to your space.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
And there’s the whole variation.
—Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
Noun
-
Ernaux’s signature method of resisting interpretation and incarnating the past plunges us into this girl’s experience.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Supporters dispute interpretation The position taken by Raynes’ group on the civil rights bill has confounded some of the measure’s supporters.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The demand for dry cleaning and alterations was overwhelming.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Crews have been working around the clock to protect the dam, deploying pumps and sandbags and making alterations to increase water flow.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This classic take is short, simple, and sweet.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
-
And fascinatingly, this synthetic universe is so convincing that even some astronomers are doing double-takes.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The difference came down to shot-making.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Adding your mattress to your spring cleaning checklist can make a real difference.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The TikTok-famous date treats have even made their way into grocery store aisles, as CPG brands like Date Better Snacks create versions of the popular confection in a variety of flavors from Almond Java Crunch to Royal Cinnamon Baklava.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
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The state Senate passed a bill Friday regulating copycat versions of popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
What might be a fairly routine affair — some performers change outfits nearly every song — is in Lowery’s latest taken to beguiling extremes when the pop star Mother Mary (Anne Hathaway) turns up wet and forlorn at the studio of her former fashion designer Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel).—
Jake Coyle,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
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Trump has long agitated for changes at CNN, and few expect his Justice Department to block the transaction.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And falling into just following a viral recipe, but not making other modifications, doesn't actually support baseline and metabolic health.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
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The fight over those changes - responsible for weeks of turmoil in the House - ultimately resulted in limited modifications that failed to satisfy privacy hawks.—
Eric McDaniel,
NPR,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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