VARY Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vary

verb

ˈver-ē

Definition of vary

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

as in to change

to make different in some way varied the method occasionally for the sake of experimentation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 This timeframe varies based on the patient’s treatment, clinical needs, and their symptoms. — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 However, the impact varies by sector, and some like metal products and transportation equipment have seen modest gains. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026 Items shipped to Hawaii and Alaska are subject to higher shipping rates, which may vary. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2026 While style varies by winery, techniques to add depth and complexity to Albariño include long aging on the lees and fermentation or maturation in wood, granite, or concrete vessels. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary

Verb

The two candidates offer differing views on tackling the issue.

— Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Its credit counseling model differs from the debt settlement services offered by the other four companies.

— Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of differ

Verb

Under the current plan, the building would include 696 rental apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units; three levels of amenities, including two swimming pools; 7,400 square feet of commercial space; and 696 parking spaces.

— Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Novo Nordisk, which makes Wegovy and Ozempic, advertises list prices ranging from $149 per month to $399 per month, depending on the dose.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of range

Verb

The music as a whole seems to reflect all of this moment-to-moment action at a larger structural level, shifting from one overlapping movement to the next according to the same fractal geometry that governs the beat.

— Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026
His Iowa appearance was moved from Dubuque to Cedar Rapids, only for plans to shift back to Dubuque hours later, according to a person familiar with the planning who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of shift

Verb

His story contrasts sharply with Netanyahu’s elite Jerusalem upbringing in the circles of power.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
What readers are saying The conversation explores the contrasting perceptions of two political figures, Marshall and Hamilton, in the context of Kansas politics.

— Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of contrast

Verb

The Lake Wylie Marine Commission has rescinded its support for Charlotte Water’s request to modify its interbasin transfer agreement, the group’s leadership told Mecklenburg County commissioners during its annual report Tuesday.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
For most people, manually modifying system firmware introduces additional risks.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of modify

Verb

The reason is related to the price of natural gas that fluctuates, leading to high charges on bills, like in the past, or credits that are expected to last for a one-year period until next May.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
The researchers combined thermodynamic modeling with an economic analysis to examine how storing and releasing reactor heat could improve operational flexibility and help nuclear plants respond to fluctuating electricity prices.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of fluctuate

Verb

States including California and New York are proposing disclosure when images are digitally (AI) altered and that the original image be shown.

— Anthony Paganucci, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
China’s expanding naval capabilities could alter regional military calculations, particularly in areas where maritime disputes and competing territorial claims already exist.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of alter

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varnishing

vary

varying

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Style

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of vary

verb

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