vary 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈver-ē How to pronounce vary (audio)
Definition of varynext
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
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
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

varying

2 of 3

adjective

as in changing
not staying constant a varying commitment to the cause that meant that one could never be sure if the volunteers would show up

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

varying

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of vary
1
as in differing
to be unlike; to not be the same opinions by experts on the subject vary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in modifying
to make different in some way varied the method occasionally for the sake of experimentation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ranging
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 shifting
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
Verb
While there is conviction that one foundation model ought to be able to solve for a lot of these things, companies are using the term while solving different technical problems with varying approaches. — ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026 The threshold varies by county and ranges from 77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Adjective
This is a recurring injury for Smith, who has missed five of the last nine games due to varying levels of discomfort in his calf. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026 Even within a single day, temporary weight shifts are common and are often due to varying levels of fluid retention. — Lauren O'Connor, Health, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
Since energy and fuel are major cost inputs for businesses — fuel to power airplanes and transport food to grocery stores, for example — consumers have seen prices rise to varying degrees elsewhere, too. — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 14 July 2026 The brand’s low-profile 204L, along with the retro-futuristic Abzorb 2000 and Abzorb 2010, have all had varying degrees of success at retail and on the secondary resale market. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary
  1. differ
  2. change
  3. range
  4. shift
  5. contrast
  6. modify
  7. fluctuate
  8. alter
Verb
  • The figure itself seems to comprise separate sections, with a copper base differing from the rest of the piece.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026
  • The amount of time the shoes take to reach a full charge differs from one pair of shoes to another.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 15 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
  • Events ranging from a baby parade in Flint, Michigan, to a rock concert in Herndon, Virginia, and the America’s Mile marathon in Pittsburgh were canceled Friday as smoke lingered.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • The latest screen time policies limit the number of minutes students spend each day on their devices, with durations ranging from 60 minutes for the youngest learners to no more than half of all instructional time for high schoolers.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of range
Verb
  • Here is another example in the opening 45 minutes, where Brazil’s midfield is shifted over to the near side to condense the space around Morocco.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • The Facebook page shifted to a private setting to create a more intimate space.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of shift
Verb
  • This petite floral sheet set leans into that charm with a delicate print that reads almost like a neutral, while the contrasting gingham ruffle adds even more pattern play.
    — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026
  • The brighter silver paint contrasting the greenhouse and A and D pillars against the darker bronze lower body somewhat detracts from the overall look.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
Definition of contrast
Verb
  • That can lead them to feel pressure to build new roads, modify their land-use ordinances and approve requests from companies wishing to build within their boundaries.
    — Laura Mullenbach, Fortune, 14 July 2026
  • There’s also a distinction between the impact of blocking the transaction altogether and only modifying the merger as part of a settlement, and that’s where things could get interesting.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 14 July 2026
Definition of modify
Verb
  • While the exact multiples will fluctuate with earnings estimates, all three companies trade at valuations that appear reasonable relative to their competitive advantages, growth prospects and historical trading ranges.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • The annual average tuition rate fluctuated between $41 and $59, equivalent to between $1,586 and $2,194 today.
    — Thomas Adam, Fortune, 13 July 2026
Definition of fluctuate
Verb
  • While some businesses relying on summer traffic have been forced to temporarily close their doors, others refuse to let the smoke alter their plans.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • Those reports, including a key March 2021 intelligence assessment about the 2020 election, concluded that none of those countries attempted to alter voter registration, ballot casting, tabulation or the reporting of results.
    — Josh Meyer, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Definition of alter

Browse Nearby Words

varnishing
vary
varying
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Cite this Entry

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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