change 1 of 2

noun

Definition of changenext
1
as in alteration
the act, process, or result of making different the positive change in our students' attitude toward people who are somehow different was a long and gradual process

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fluctuation
the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another there is nothing so constant as change itself

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in money
something (as pieces of stamped metal or printed paper) customarily and legally used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment she spent quite a chunk of change on that car

Synonyms & Similar Words

change

2 of 2

verb

ˈchānj How to pronounce change (audio)
1
as in to modify
to make different in some way my wife has changed the look of our living room more times than we care to remember

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to vary
to pass from one form, state, or level to another the weather in New England is constantly changing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to exchange
to give up (something) and take something else in return would you mind changing your seat so my friends can sit together?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word change different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of change are alter, modify, and vary. While all these words 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

When might alter be a better fit than change?

Although the words alter and change have much in common, alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use modify instead of change?

The synonyms modify and change 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

Where would vary be a reasonable alternative to change?

In some situations, the words vary and change are roughly equivalent. However, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

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 change
Noun
One countywide measure of changes in values that is calculated to more closely match market values showed growth of only 3.6% from 2024 to 2025. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 31 May 2025 Last cycle, due to changes made by the Democratic National Committee, South Carolina replaced historically first Iowa as the initial contest. —Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 31 May 2025
Verb
Office supplies for a research lab working on something that could change the world? —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 Even after taking over as captain ahead of the 2018-19 season, Barkov didn’t change his approach. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for change
Recent Examples of Synonyms for change
  1. alteration
  2. fluctuation
  3. money
  4. modify
  5. vary
  6. exchange
  7. difference
  8. oscillation
Noun
  • The final legislation is expected to reflect alterations from ongoing negotiations.
    — Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • His evolution required alterations to his left-handed swing, learning how to channel his emotions, and even a few wake-up calls.
    — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of alteration
Noun
  • The fluctuations were presented in a record that became known as the Keeling Curve, which demonstrated carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere were increasing every year.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 6 June 2025
  • There will likely be some fluctuation in costs in the US, but this gives us a vague estimate of how much to expect things to increase, considering most of these costs are due to higher manufacturing costs.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 5 June 2025
Definition of fluctuation
Noun
  • During their discussion of her 2015 album, Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz, the former Disney star revealed where some of her money went without her accountant's knowledge.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • The law passed during the Johnson administration requires the government to administer student loan programs, issue grants and ensure that schools receiving federal money don't discriminate against students.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Definition of money
Verb
  • The order not only modifies key elements of Biden’s January 2025 framework but also signals a broader realignment of federal cybersecurity priorities.
    — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Box frames are less common and usually require your boat’s speaker holes to be modified to fit them.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Definition of modify
Verb
  • The ingredients vary, but all formulas must have a balance of calories from protein, carbohydrates and fat that mirrors what’s found in human milk.
    — Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
  • However, dosages may actually vary from 1 to 10 mg per day.
    — Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025
Definition of vary
Verb
  • The May 16 talks also led to a swap of prisoners, with 1,000 on both sides being exchanged.
    — Mehmet Guzel, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
  • During their last meeting in May, both countries agreed to exchange their requirements for a ceasefire.
    — Jade Walker, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
Definition of exchange
Noun
  • One year later in 2009, the difference between cable and broadcast was even more pronounced, especially with the decision to air Games 1 and 2 on NBC before moving Games 3 and 4 to Versus.
    — Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 3 June 2025
  • One big difference, however, from other Universal hotels at similar price points is Helios Grand guests do not get free Universal Express Unlimited passes to cut waits at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Definition of difference
Noun
  • The entire assembly sits on a mechanical base that provides 350 degrees of oscillation movement.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 15 May 2025
  • The frequency of oscillations in the tubes, and therefore the robot’s speed, was regulated by adjusting the amount of air pumped into each tube.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
Definition of oscillation

Phrases Containing change

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chandeliers
change
changeability
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Cite this Entry

“Change.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/change. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on change

Nglish: Translation of change for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about change

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