variations

plural of variation
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

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 Although these patterns cannot be observed directly through telescopes, the variations can be mapped in simulations like Lumina, allowing scientists to investigate how the dynamics of matter may have shaped the early cosmos, Muñoz said. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026 The team used Argon to generate thousands of variations on practice runs based on real-world camera data. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 10 Nov. 2026 Each car insurance company uses its own pricing models to assess risk, and those differences can translate into substantial variations in what you're quoted for identical coverage. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 Nov. 2026 That precision is increasingly important for three-dimensional devices, where small variations can affect electrical behavior and manufacturing consistency. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026 Penelope Cruz, Lily James and Amal Clooney have all gotten in on the metallic footwear trend on the red carpet, wearing variations of high-shine styles from mules to slingbacks like Law’s. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2026 Brooklyn In the world of Manhattan variations, the Brooklyn is one of the best. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2026 With a big chunk of events set in the Scottish Highlands, his variations on this accent is noteworthy. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2026 This meant that his freedom began and ended at the facade, but Judd stayed with the project, trying to use variations in glass color and finish to recover some relationship between the building’s surface and the different functions within. — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variations
Noun
  • Their interpretations have varied over time, of course, but their official rulings have sustained, altered, or eliminated important federal or state laws and accordingly changed life in America.
    — Brian Duignan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Rose and jasmine have long been staples of traditional perfumery, but Chanel’s interpretations demonstrate just how versatile these familiar notes can be.
    — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Huang has said that this system gives his company the flexibility to react to rapid changes in technology and remain agile.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • For example, a digital twin of an industrial pump could use vibration and temperature readings to detect changes that indicate developing mechanical problems.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • One aerial fight is a dazzler with long takes of planes swooping through the clouds accompanied by the teeth-rattling clatter of lightning bolts that crash against your ears like metal trashcan lids.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • From her festive styling tips to her party hosting no-nos, read on for the superstar’s hottest holiday takes.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Doing so enhances the slight color differences in these rocks, allowing researchers to pick out the different minerals.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • There are, of course, obvious differences between soldiers and agents, for whom a readiness to kill on behalf of the state is generally understood to be a more distant prospect.
    — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Other recalls PepsiCo recalled Gatorade Lemon Lime, Orange and their zero-sugar versions due to undeclared dyes.
    — Eva Flowe November 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2026
  • How do flat-earthers and alien truthers come to their versions of reality?
    — David Morgan, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The store has a tailor shop where customers can pay to have in-house alterations.
    — Jane Miller, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Weber has joined state Attorney General Rob Bonta in challenging local election changes in court, including Huntington Beach's voter ID law and Shasta County's Measure B, which proposed significant alterations to voting and ballot counting.
    — Senior Editor, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Variations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variations. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster