vary

verb

ˈver-ē 

varied; varying

transitive verb

1

: to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic

2

: to make differences between items in : diversify

intransitive verb

1

: to exhibit or undergo change

the sky was constantly varying

2

: deviate, depart

3

: to take on successive values

y varies inversely with x

4

: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form

varyingly

ˈver-ē-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of vary

• differ
• contrast

Choose the Right Synonym for vary

change, alter, vary, modify mean to make or become different.

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

alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

Examples of vary in a Sentence

The terrain varies as you climb higher.

The cost of a room at the hotel varies with the season.

Their services vary depending on the customer.

They've tried to improve their procedures, with varying degrees of success.

The diamonds vary in size.

Colors vary from light to dark.

I try to vary my diet by eating different kinds of foods.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ordinary light sources, by contrast, produce light with varying degrees of coherence. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

The system for appointment to the bench and length of term varies. — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026

Those running for the board have diverse backgrounds and varying ideas, but also near-unanimous agreement that district leaders need to do more to meet the basic needs of students struggling to pursue their higher education goals. — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

The process is led by each country, so the extent and nature of consultation can vary. — Karina Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English varien, borrowed from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French varier, borrowed from Latin variāre "to mark with contrasting colors, give variety to, make changeable," derivative of varius "having contrasting colors, of different kinds, changeable," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing vary

• your mileage may vary

Rhymes for vary

• aerie
• airy
• arie
• barre
• cherry
• clary
• dairy
• eyrie
• faerie
• faery
• fairy
• ferry

Kids Definition

vary

verb

ˈver-ē 

ˈvar-

varied; varying

1

: to make a minor or partial change in

2

: to give variety to

3

: to show or undergo change

4

a

: to be different

b

: to change in bodily structure or function away from what is usual for members of a group

varyingly

-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

vary

intransitive verb

ˈver-ē, ˈvar-ē 

varied; varying

: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form