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 The Lineup Cycling Frog beverages consist of strong, vibrant flavors, real juices and varying dosages from sustainable, no-spray hemp. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 6 July 2026 The band varied their setlist across a four-performance run in Fort Worth to give audiences some surprise. — Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026 Freelancers are paid by the answer at rates that vary widely depending on the topic and the freelancer’s experience. — Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026 Fees Fees may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary

Verb

The Ventura County district attorney’s office noted that electric motorcycles differ from electric bikes because the former must abide by the same regulations as a traditional motorcycle rider.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
The terms of their employment also differ from many jobs on land.

— Nathan Diller, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of differ

Verb

Chishti said the rulings signify that future presidents could continue to change immigration policies at their discretion.

— Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of change

Verb

Open-source and open-weight models make different parts of an AI model available for developers to inspect, use and sometimes modify.

— Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 7 July 2026
These machines can accelerate harder than traditional e-bikes, and in many cases can be modified to travel much faster.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026

Definition of modify

Verb

The cash flow from distribution is regular and constant, unlike advertising, which can fluctuate, this person says.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 7 July 2026
The testing evaluated the AI’s real-time performance under fluctuating conditions with the controller turned both on and off.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026

Definition of fluctuate

Verb

Individuals disclose details incrementally, carefully assessing how others will react, as such revelations can significantly alter perceptions of their competence and professionalism.

— Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Themes return altered by what has happened to them, darkened or brightened, fragmented or reconciled.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

Definition of alter

Browse Nearby Words

varnishing

vary

varying

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Style

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of vary

verb

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