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 Local fire agencies could make exceptions based on factors including fire risk, fire-response resources, evacuation routes, and fire-hardening of homes, but variations would require approval by city councils or county supervisors. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 There are new tools, some new variations of cartridges, but the principles are kind of timeless. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 But the federal government has taken note of new synthetic variations of 7-OH. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 These included material losses, differences between individual resonators, unwanted backscattering, coupling variations, phase errors, and thermal crosstalk between neighboring components. — New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation

Noun

His other roles included advising basketball operations on NBA rules, CBA interpretation, league memoranda, draft matters, player health, immigration, roster construction, transaction execution and roster compliance.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026
Located in Kvareli, in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, the foundation is devoted to the preservation and exhibition of Georgian contemporary art, as well as to its study and interpretation.

— News Desk, Artforum, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

Every month, those cameras capture billions of license plates and other details about cars, including makes, models, colors and any alterations.

— Meg Anderson, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
Projects such as new construction, additions, alteration or repairs, grading, retaining and fence walls, sign permits, swimming pools, change of use and use of land permits would qualify for fast-tracking.

— City News Service, Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of alteration

Noun

The frigate also carried out replenishment exercises at sea, helicopter take-off and landing drills and damage-control training designed to prepare its crew for emergencies during combat.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
The menu from chef Tayler Ploshehanski is simply fun, rethinking bistro classics with a Midwestern take.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of take

Noun

Those ideas say some people are superior to others, and the inequality that exists in the world around us reflects those innate differences, and inequality is a good thing, and a necessary thing, and the only real way to organize social life.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Recent sales data suggest shoppers are responding to the price difference.

— Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

No firm timetable has been announced for the high-riding grand tourer, but there’s been reporting that the finished production version could be unveiled as soon as next year.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
The famous television version of Anne of Green Gables was being produced just as Madonna was on her enormously successful concert tour promoting Like a Virgin.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of version

Noun

After years of demanding change from outside the system, Johnson will now help shape accountability from within it.

— Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
But after two decades in the rearview, Pluto’s demotion still stirs anger and controversy, and many people regard its change in status as a very bad thing.

— Mike Brown, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of change

Noun

Counter walked IndieWire through a maze of electrical and ventilation equipment that has accumulated additions and modifications over the decades — all of it above a massive pitch-black attic.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
Instead, focus on physical barriers and habitat modification.

— Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of variation

noun

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