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
Hundreds of people have received varied and quirky variations of the same message.
—
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 15 May 2026
There are several variations on classic trivia packaged into different games, as well as a one-letter-guessing game that’s suggestive of Jeopardy.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
In other cities where similar measures are in place, there are variations in exemptions, tax rates, enforcement and where the revenue is allocated.
—Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
The crystalline structure of molecules is more uniform, rather than a broad variation.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 15 May 2026
There are several variations on classic trivia packaged into different games, as well as a one-letter-guessing game that’s suggestive of Jeopardy.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
In other cities where similar measures are in place, there are variations in exemptions, tax rates, enforcement and where the revenue is allocated.
—Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
The crystalline structure of molecules is more uniform, rather than a broad variation.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
Noun
-
In contrast, a decision by a judge is governed by stare decisis, the legal principle that courts must adhere to interpretations of law set by past decisions and that lower courts must follow higher courts when in the same jurisdiction.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2026
-
Working with gaffer Jim Plannette, Schiffman referenced classic films while adding his own interpretation, capturing the sequence on 35mm color film stock and converting it to black and white.—
Daron James,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
The stadium will need several alterations to accommodate the soccer team, including changes to the field, improvements on the HVAC system, flood and drainage repairs, and other structural fixes.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
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While the rotary knob that surrounds the ignition button provides quick access to the various drive modes (which includes a customizable Individual mode), hard buttons for features like damper stiffness and exhaust volume allow for specific alterations to the driving experience on the fly.—
Bradley Iger,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Between takes, Liu did TikTok dances, trying to summon the right energy.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
This new modern-day, episodic take is a fun binge-watch with a lot of heart.—
Dana Feldman,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The difference is Giannis could be entering the final year of his contract.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2026
-
The obsession with a hundred has something to do with our attraction to round numbers, but, at that speed, every mile per hour does make a difference.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Wear the grey option with blue jeans for a semi-casual look, or dress up the lime green or black version with trousers and heels.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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Health officials are now investigating whether the outbreak involves the Ebola Zaire strain — the deadliest and most well-known version of the virus — or a different variant, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The spinoff will feature Beth Dutton riding horses more frequently, a change from her character's past trauma.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Perhaps the most controversial coaching change of the offseason came in Buffalo, as the Bills moved on from Sean McDermott and elevated Brady, the offensive coordinator, to take his place.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
These modifications provide Israel with greater independence in maintaining and upgrading the aircraft while improving mission adaptability in regional conflicts.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
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These don’t alter the underlying DNA sequence of the cells but are modifications or chemical tags that alter gene activity.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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