varied; varying
1
: to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic
2
: to make differences between items in : diversify
1
: to exhibit or undergo change
the sky was constantly varying
3
: to take on successive values
y varies inversely with x
4
: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form
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
Save-a-Lot, hours vary by location — check with your local store for details.
—
Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
The bands vary by grade levels, experience and musical styles.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
The impact of discovering alien intelligence will vary with the distances involved, with a Type 1 close encounter (UFO/UAP) having most impact due to proximity, Dick said.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Even though there are six shades to choose from, including the brand’s legendary Pillow Talk, each color may vary from person to person, depending on their body chemistry.
—Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vary
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.
Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
The bands vary by grade levels, experience and musical styles.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
The impact of discovering alien intelligence will vary with the distances involved, with a Type 1 close encounter (UFO/UAP) having most impact due to proximity, Dick said.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Even though there are six shades to choose from, including the brand’s legendary Pillow Talk, each color may vary from person to person, depending on their body chemistry.
—Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vary
Cite this Entry
“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vary. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
vary
intransitive verb
varied; varying
: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
