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 Investors and startup CEOs are keenly studying the variations in how much an African tech startup can hope to raise as a signal for assessing the ecosystem’s health. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026 This variation may occur because citric acid inhibits bubble coalescence, similar to the additives in Diet Coke. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026 From breezy linen styles to satin variations, these picks are comfy, easy, and the perfect throw-on dress to shop now and wear for at least seven more weeks. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 The issue was the fee, with Chelsea and Rayo Vallecano having different variations from the get-go. — David Ornstein, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation

Noun

The federal government’s new interpretation of Title IX has left Jeffco Public Schools in a bind.

— Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026
Whatever might be happening on the streets of American cities—or whatever the current occupant of the Oval Office might be like—constitutional interpretation was in safe hands at the highest court in the land.

— Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

The judges rejected the administration's national security argument and said the president does not have the authority to make such major alterations to the White House without congressional approval.

— Nathan Lee, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Some of the deadliest cancers, including many pancreatic, colorectal and lung cancers, share a common genetic alteration in a protein called KRAS.

— William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of alteration

Noun

The Midnight Boys eventually filled out its host chairs with Adeniran, a Marvel expert who got his start at The Ringer making social content, and Ahlman, the show’s producer, whose takes were too good to stay behind the scenes.

— Daniel Strauss, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026
The day before this one, Parekh filmed takes of fire leaping down the street, which include practical flames created by piping gas under the set.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of take

Noun

Previous studies also have found differences between passive sedentary behaviors, such as television watching, and more mentally active ones, including solving puzzles and being mentally engaged during work.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Earlier this week, former GOP Senator Jeff Flake, of Arizona, endorsed Ossoff saying despite their policy differences, Flake applauds Ossoff's character and his commitment to doing the job.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

The fallout from that controversial attempt has divided the soccer landscape, with continental confederations and individual national associations all split on whether a change in FIFA leadership is needed.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
The Skoll Foundation catalyzes transformational social change by investing in, connecting, and championing social entrepreneurs and other social innovators who together advance bold and equitable solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

— Big Think, Big Think, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of change

Noun

The research that was conducted in Wuhan with federal support involved modifications to bat viruses to study their potential impact on humans.

— Joe Walsh, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
This includes mandatory cybersecurity training for staff, improvements to digital and human procedures including ACH payment verification processes, and controls within financial workflows, as well as modifications to IT staffing, said Gale.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 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 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of variation

noun

Example Sentences

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