1
as in interpretations
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 changes
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 variations
Fill up on gas and peruse a staggering menu of over 700 variations of fizzy pop, including weird and wonderful flavors such as teriyaki beef jerky soda.
—
Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
The results help scientists better understand the geological differences between the near side and far side of the Moon, including variations in volcanic activity and crust formation that date back billions of years.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 7 Mar. 2026
The Latest Flavors The team at Reese’s has been busy introducing new variations of its classic candy in recent months.
—Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2026
Subtle variations in shades of pink are a common thread throughout this apartment.
—Giada Storelli, Architectural Digest, 7 Mar. 2026
Many of the recipes are simple variations on the classic spread, from a pimiento cheese filled with pickled okra to a pineapple variation (made with crushed pineapple from a can, naturally).
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
There are 625 variations, and the creation will then appear at the start and finish of the attraction, injected into the ride’s projectors via a guest wristband.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Amish, too, had variations in opinions.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
Commissioner Allison Longenbaugh said variations include different colors of exterior stone — with black, white and gray used instead of the tan or sandy colors presented to them.
—Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
The results help scientists better understand the geological differences between the near side and far side of the Moon, including variations in volcanic activity and crust formation that date back billions of years.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 7 Mar. 2026
The Latest Flavors The team at Reese’s has been busy introducing new variations of its classic candy in recent months.
—Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2026
Subtle variations in shades of pink are a common thread throughout this apartment.
—Giada Storelli, Architectural Digest, 7 Mar. 2026
Many of the recipes are simple variations on the classic spread, from a pimiento cheese filled with pickled okra to a pineapple variation (made with crushed pineapple from a can, naturally).
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
There are 625 variations, and the creation will then appear at the start and finish of the attraction, injected into the ride’s projectors via a guest wristband.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Amish, too, had variations in opinions.
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
Commissioner Allison Longenbaugh said variations include different colors of exterior stone — with black, white and gray used instead of the tan or sandy colors presented to them.
—Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variations
Noun
-
Topics included how climate change and air pollution have greatly increased haze in the area, native Cherokee interpretations of the land, and how logging has impacted the park’s streams and fish populations, among other topics.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Coming off an off-Broadway run with the show, Torres’ Color Theories offers a guide to understanding the world through his playful interpretations of colors.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The resulting insights are intended to help scientists understand how the ocean is changing and what those changes mean for the planet.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The mold concerns have forced major changes to the school day.—
Luzdelia Caballero,
CBS News,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
From evergreen staples from Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo to modern takes from Toteme and The Row (and even a few unexpected picks in bubblegum pink and firetruck red), their wishlist encompasses a lot of bridal styles; and, more importantly, a lot of bridal events.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Actors might then spend the entire day — and sometimes well into the night — wearing and removing the elaborate wigs dozens of times between takes.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Piedmont’s data shows the overall winter season was colder in several months compared with the previous winter, though the differences varied by month.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Mar. 2026
-
While newborn screening identifies rare disease conditions in approximately 14,000 babies annually, the new research highlights how differences in state screening panels mean not all babies have the same opportunity for early detection.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
By combining strontium doping and oxygen tuning, the team produced many slightly different versions of the material.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Several independent legal experts told me that, legally, the Pentagon can likely get away with using OpenAI’s technology—versions of the models that underlie ChatGPT—for mass surveillance of Americans.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Apparently, her role in Gone Girl involved multiple length alterations, given the character's complexity.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Some do alterations, others help with measurements and others with tracking down the right items.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Variations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variations. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
