vary

verb

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

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 Appointment costs vary depending on location and colorist. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 June 2025 Each of these books vary wildly in their narrators, settings, even time period, but characters from other books often appear or are mentioned in the background, creating what fans call the Taylor Jenkins Reid Extended Universe. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2025 Aurorae manifest as curtains of light that trace the geomagnetic field lines and can vary in color depending on the species of atom being excited. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 The severity of water spots varies depending on your local water hardness. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025 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
  • Flexible Payment Options: Every customer’s financial situation differs, so offering multiple payment methods and schedules is critical.
    — Kyle MacDonald, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • However, the two sides in the Maryland case differed on what to glean from that history.
    — David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Definition of differ
Verb
  • Part of Madrid’s unique nature is just how quickly things can change.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Since then, two of those mayors have changed their minds.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
Definition of change
Verb
  • These advancements have had an incredible impact in applications ranging from medical to smarter and safer robots in collaborative environments, to the aging energy grid, which faces unprecedented pressure given the increasing electrical demand.
    — Henrik Mannesson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The $2 Million Vault game began May 6 and features prizes ranging from $20 to the $2 million jackpot, according to the game’s web page.
    — Natalie Demaree, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2025
Definition of range
Verb
  • That leadership change followed GOP gains through 2024’s Senate Bill 382, which shifted appointment powers from Gov. Josh Stein (D-NC) to Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 28 May 2025
  • Conforto said he’s seen signs that something could be shifting.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 27 May 2025
Definition of shift
Verb
  • However, these results contrast with the broader majority of polling data, which has shown that Trump's ratings remain below 40 percent, while disapproval consistently climbs above 50 or even 60 percent.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • This contrasts with an apparent upcoming boom in Europe, although this is based on government coercion rather than enthusiasm for EVs.
    — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of contrast
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
  • What Happens Next Trump's approval rating could fluctuate in the coming weeks, depending on the evolving tariff situation and concerns about a recession.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder (5 Pounds) for $74 ($14 off) Amazon The best protein powder fluctuates in price often, but many different flavors and serving sizes are on sale right now.
    — Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 3 June 2025
Definition of fluctuate
Verb
  • What begins as a family reunion turns into a disturbing chain of events that alters the balance between the world of the living and the dead, infecting an entire neighborhood with voices from beyond.
    — Jamie Lang, Variety, 2 June 2025
  • Familiarity with those three helped Kirk learn when his pitchers’ offerings are especially locked and when he’s got to alter the plan.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 2 June 2025
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 10 Jun. 2025.

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