Synonyms of vary

vary

verb

ˈver-ē 

1

as in to differ

to be unlike; to not be the same

opinions by experts on the subject vary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• differ
• contrast
• fluctuate
• divide
• deviate
• diverge
• separate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compare
• match
• correspond
• agree
• conform
• accord

2

as in to change

to make different in some way

varied the method occasionally for the sake of experimentation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• change
• modify
• alter
• remodel
• transform
• rework
• revise
• recast
• remake
• redo
• refashion
• mutate
• revamp
• deform
• make over
• metamorphose
• revolutionize
• exchange
• transmute
• transfigure
• convert
• commute
• regenerate
• retool
• rejigger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• set
• fix
• stabilize
• freeze

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

• range
• go
• run
• fluctuate
• change
• shift
• move
• reach
• alternate
• extend
• mutate
• sweep
• stretch

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

• change
• shift
• fluctuate
• mutate
• improve
• snap
• morph
• deteriorate
• better
• metamorphose
• worsen
• transmute
• vacillate
• turn around
• waver
• seesaw
• teeter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stabilize
• plateau

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

Recent Examples of vary

The number of ingredients in a mole varies by tradition, with some calling for dozens. —Imelda García, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026

Polls have varied in the primary; an Emerson College poll from mid-January found Talarico up by 9 points, while a late January University of Houston poll found Crockett up by 8 points. —Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 18 Feb. 2026

But some of the numbers varied widely. —Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026

Jaylin Stewart played only four scoreless minutes against Georgetown after a 10-minute stint at Butler and 11 minutes – with varying levels of impact – in three of the previous four games. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2026