variation

noun

ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce variation (audio)
Definition of variationnext
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

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 The Pixel 10 Pro XL, however, is only available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variations, starting at $1,199. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 29 July 2026 Schrader and De Palma were immediately taken with the movie, and taken with the idea of creating their own variation on its themes. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 29 July 2026 But as with any exercise, there are variations — for example, changing the speed and control of the movement — that have different effects. — Kiera Carter, Washington Post, 29 July 2026 Others used the opportunity to beg Nothing Bundt Cakes to bring back previous flavors or variations of old favorites. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
  1. interpretation
  2. alteration
  3. take
  4. difference
  5. version
  6. change
  7. modification
Noun
  • There are a lot of weird interpretations like this in the final rounds.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 July 2026
  • Those discussions often uncovered ambiguities in documentation or policy interpretation that would never have surfaced through technical testing alone.
    — Arpan Saxena, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • The avenue lies within the city’s original historic district, where preservation rules tightly regulate new construction and alterations.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • The coalition said a data center would need 20 megawatts of power, which the group believes would require significant alterations to the building.
    — George Avalos, Mercury News, 20 July 2026
Definition of alteration
Noun
  • Dahvid Schloss, chief operating officer of cybersecurity firm Suzu Labs, offers a different take.
    — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026
  • The movie star was spotted during what appeared to be a break between takes, looking at her phone while wearing headphones.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026
Definition of take
Noun
  • And the difference between a new EV and a gas car is $6,680, not including any incentives.
    — Liz Knueven,Ryley Amond, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • At first, these data would be cryptic—who besides the biggest air-pollution nerd would know the difference between 35 μg/m3 of particulate matter (yellow-level risk, per the AQI) and 60 μg/m3 (red-level risk)?
    — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • Tony's has a full bar and turns out quality versions of some of the greatest hits.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Under the current version of the measure, both individuals and businesses would be able to sue companies.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of version
Noun
  • The administration framed the rule change, which takes effect immediately, as a way to reduce the backlog and fraud in the asylum system.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 28 July 2026
  • Before pursuing hormone therapy, document a serious attempt at those changes and bring that record to your appointment so the clinician can weigh it against your bloodwork.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026
Definition of change
Noun
  • Habitat modifications, such as turning off water fountains during the winter or making islands accessible to humans so geese don’t get too comfortable, may also work.
    — Mark Vrtiska, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • Removing walls for an open floor plan changes airflow patterns, and a single thermostat may struggle to keep temperatures consistent across a larger space, sometimes requiring HVAC modifications to stay comfortable.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of modification

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variation
variations
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Cite this Entry

“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on variation

Nglish: Translation of variation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about variation

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