variations

noun

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
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 Its software can detect those variations and adjust each brick’s position accordingly. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026 Throughout different variations of this question in previous iterations of this poll, Stafford had only been mentioned once. — Jeff Howe, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Minute variations in the hand engraving, together with individual numbering, mean no two examples are exactly identical. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 Such color variations are thought to be associated with camouflage, protection against parasites and ultraviolet radiation, and the effects of pleiotropic genes (genes that influence more than one, usually unrelated, physical trait or phenotype). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 It was seen on the runway back in March in six variations, with the original signature line elongated to reach the thigh. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 In the book’s 16 central chapters, Roden wanders from central categories such as yogurt, egg dishes, breads and pickles, showing how the countries of this region prepare stunning variations of common foodstuffs. — Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026 High end bars worldwide now offer tableside martini service, and martini menus feature ever-swelling variations on the classic theme. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 Closer to home, Roman will monitor small variations in light from stars near the center of the Milky Way galaxy in order to infer the presence of rogue planets drifting between the stars. — Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variations
  1. interpretations
  2. changes
  3. takes
  4. differences
  5. versions
  6. alterations
Noun
  • Under certain interpretations of the 1963 rule, courts are not allowed to weigh whether a merger might make competition stronger overall.
    — Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Different interpretations can lead to vastly different decisions, behaviors and eventual outcomes.
    — Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of interpretations
Noun
  • How widespread those changes will be is a compelling question.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The interior is probably the biggest improvement without having the same visually jarring impact the exterior’s changes have.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of changes
Noun
  • The best part of the recording, though, is hearing the old friends crack each other up in between tossing off casually brilliant takes of a classic in the making.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • First presented at the tail end of sessions for 2023’s In Times New Roman, it was captured on the second of just two takes, preserving a loose, instinctive performance from Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita and Jon Theodore.
    — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of takes
Noun
  • Palal acknowledged that Davis’ accounts of the killing evolved over the years but argued those differences reflected Davis’ changing motivations and efforts to protect himself.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • This approach improved statistical reliability while still allowing regional differences in climate and heat adaptation to be reflected.
    — Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of differences
Noun
  • Machine aerators are rolled over the lawn like a mower, and handheld versions are stepped on like a shovel.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Silicon-photonics chips can move data using light instead of electrical signals, but conventional versions are rigid and opaque.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of versions
Noun
  • Naturally, Varnell, deemed out of touch, is resistant to the characterization and the alterations, and much of the comedy is mined from the contrast between the older and younger characters.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Implementing even a small change to an analog system involves physical alterations such as wiring, disconnections, connections and hardware validation.
    — Timor Brik, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of alterations

Browse Nearby Words

variation
variations
varicolored
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Cite this Entry

“Variations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variations. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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