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 On the other hand, the penalty for harboring or aiding a felon can vary, depending on the severity of the underlying felony committed by the person being aided. Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025 However, protocols for responding to wildlife conflicts that are not life-threatening can vary from one community to another. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 Hollywood filmmakers have been embracing AI research to varying degrees. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 July 2025 This era was also defined by varying shades of yellow, which Badu frequently wore: as a jacket, or even perhaps as a dress. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary
Verb
  • The compilation didn’t differ much from several past projects, but its timing turned it into a bestseller, as the world was mourning Bowie’s creative vision and voice at the time.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • With the evening streaming release in the US, the debut time in other countries will differ.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • How did this new format change the industry program’s attendance so far?
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 5 July 2025
  • The salt in the fries, the sugar and the caffeine combined can change circulation and electrolytes.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • The items have been available since March at all Cheesecake Factory locations and range from appetizers to cocktails to entrées.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 1 July 2025
  • There were numerous scenarios of how threats to oil supplies might develop, ranging from drone attacks on oil shipping in the Arabian/Persian Gulf to an Israeli or American attack on Iran’s oil export terminal, with a massive Iranian attack on Saudi oil fields being the worst-case scenario.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • For Knight, everything — his empire, his purpose, his identity — shifted after Tupac’s death.
    Danielle Bacher, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • In a climate of uncertainty, designers proposed modular, adaptable wardrobes attuned to a global consumer, and the attention shifted away from slogans and theatrics toward refined construction and nuance, with block colors, versatile garments and an eye towards utility.
    Alice Pfeiffer, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The contrasting display echoes the qualities of the fashion textiles used by the house.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 11 July 2025
  • Osborn launched his campaign to take on Ricketts this week, contrasting his working-class background with Ricketts’s wealth.
    Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Over time, the test was modified so that people could earn some income without losing all their benefits.
    Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • It was modified and approved several times to accommodate community input.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Recently, the price has fluctuated more between $65 and $95, which makes this Prime Day star projector deal worth getting.
    Alexander Cox, Space.com, 10 July 2025
  • The numbers will almost certainly fluctuate by state.
    Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Unemployment had altered her idea of what qualified as a life.
    Nora Lange, New Yorker, 10 July 2025
  • From office associates to doctors, AI and other technologies are vastly altering how people learn and work.
    Eric Hutto, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

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