1
as in to differ
to be unlike; to not be the same opinions by experts on the subject vary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to range
to occur within a continuous range of variation the appliance store is offering discounts that vary from 10 to 40 percent, depending upon the brand

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in to shift
to pass from one form, state, or level to another terrain that constantly varied as we traveled from the coast to the interior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word vary different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of vary are alter, change, and modify. While all these words mean "to make or become different," vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

When is alter a more appropriate choice than vary?

While the synonyms alter and vary are close in meaning, alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use change instead of vary?

The words change and vary can be used in similar contexts, but change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.

changed the shirt for a larger size

When might modify be a better fit than vary?

The synonyms modify and vary are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

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 vary Tickets can be bought on the day of the drawing, but sales times and price vary by state. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Additional tariffs vary by country, with China seeing rates as high as 145%. Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2025 The offerings vary greatly, the rugged but versatile two-door Defender 90 to the unwieldy three-row, eight-passenger Defender 130. James Raia, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025 Projections vary, but analysts still expect EV deployment to continue at pace—in the U.S. and around the world. Justin Worland, Time, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary
Verb
  • This new design, called the blended wing body (BWB) aircraft, differs dramatically from the traditional tube-and-wing planes in service.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • However, the fact that this upcoming conclave will have one of the most diverse groups of cardinals from around the world who have differing views could make electing a new pope even more complicated, according to Cavanaugh.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Framing Effect The way in which a product is worded can completely shift your perception of it, even when the actual facts don’t change.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The comments run contrary to worrying buzz building on Wall Street about tech companies changing data center buildout plans.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • By then, the majority of global political regimes could range from hybrid illiberal democracies to authoritarian states.
    RANA MITTER, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The incidents range from minor vandalism, such as keying or graffiti, to more extreme cases like arson and drive-by shootings allegedly targeting Tesla vehicles.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Also worth noting: The back panels can shift to accommodate double-ended dildos.
    Malia Griggs, SELF, 21 Apr. 2025
  • As the operations location changes, such mobile buildings can be relocated or reconfigured to accommodate shifting project needs.
    Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump contrasted the approach of the two central banks on social media Thursday, ripping into Powell for holding rates.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Commentators who believe Anthony acted in self-defense have contrasted his treatment with that of Rittenhouse, who is white and who aged 17 shot two men dead during civil unrest in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, in August 2020.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Limits: Programming subject to blackout restrictions All offers, programming, promotions, pricing, terms, restrictions & conditions subject to change & may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice.
    Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 19 Apr. 2025
  • FedEx will be open on Good Friday, but some of its services might be modified, according to a 2025 holiday calendar sent to Newsweek.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And ticket experts say that prices will continue to fluctuate leading up to each show.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Just as the weather changes, seasons shift, and the stock market fluctuates, happiness is similarly volatile for the typical person.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Martin's 7-year-old son Gabe, who sought cover under his bed in terror during the incident, says the experience dramatically altered his life.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • This monumental win captivated millions worldwide and forever altered the course of women’s sports.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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