variance

noun

ˈver-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce variance (audio)
Definition of variancenext
as in friction
a lack of agreement or harmony persistent variance within the rock band eventually caused it to break up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun variance contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of variance are conflict, contention, discord, dissension, and strife. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

In what contexts can conflict take the place of variance?

The meanings of conflict and variance largely overlap; however, conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

Where would contention be a reasonable alternative to variance?

While the synonyms contention and variance are close in meaning, contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When is discord a more appropriate choice than variance?

The words discord and variance can be used in similar contexts, but discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When would dissension be a good substitute for variance?

In some situations, the words dissension and variance are roughly equivalent. However, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

When is it sensible to use strife instead of variance?

While in some cases nearly identical to variance, strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

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 variance An important question amongst companies adopting this... Post In the United States, Europe, and elsewhere, policymakers have noticed that producers’ carbon emissions differ in different parts of the world—and politicians are increasingly crafting regulations based on that variance. —Karthik Ramanna, Harvard Business Review, 26 Feb. 2025 This gap underscores how even modest differences in bracket accuracy can translate into substantial variance in competitive standing. —Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Anywhere with a variance in temperature—super-cold winters, hot summers that are a little humid—watch out for oak. —The Editors, Robb Report, 30 Mar. 2025 The city stopped construction for a time but ultimately granted the builder a variance to move forward. —Andrew Wimer, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for variance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variance
  1. friction
  2. discord
  3. discordance
  4. conflict
  5. strife
  6. war
  7. dissent
  8. schism
Noun
  • The flocked, velvet-like surface creates friction to prevent clothes from slipping.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Shoppers encounter fewer steps, less friction and more trust signals, resulting in a higher likelihood of purchase completion.
    — Shoplazza Contributor, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of friction
Noun
  • Successfully navigating such a challenge requires insight, tact and a willingness to examine not just your own behavior but also the underlying reasons behind the discord.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Henry's point that discord can be a path toward – rather than an obstacle to – love.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of discord
Noun
  • Sachs plays on the discordance between his naturalistic approach and the theatricality of the project with meta elements like a quick glimpse of the crew or posed shots of the actors occasionally punctuating the conversation, accompanied by blasts of Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor.
    — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Though ApoB may be the more accurate test—particularly for people with metabolic issues or others who may have discordance—there are some issues with the test in practice.
    — Anuradha Varanasi, Health, 12 Feb. 2025
Definition of discordance
Noun
  • There have been no pauses in the conflict since Russia launched its unprovoked full-scale invasion in February 2022.
    — Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Putin told Gerasimov on Saturday that Russia welcomed efforts from the U.S., China and BRICS countries to find a peaceful settlement to the conflict.
    — Reuters, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of conflict
Noun
  • All of the women in this show have seen so much strife, but this baby was born in hell.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Weiner’s take on the band novel was partially influenced by real-life musicians, the author says: The strife between members of Fleetwood Mac, which fueled their iconic songs.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of strife
Noun
  • Royals celebrate Easter: King Charles and Queen Camilla step out with family On April 17, the king used his annual Easter message to reflect on war, human suffering and the heroism of those who risk their lives to help others.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Francis was outspoken in his stance against war and appeals for peace, including calling for ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of war
Noun
  • Germans were supposed to align their thinking with the regime and squash any inclination toward dissent.
    — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025
  • At home, authorities are widening and deepening systems of surveillance and control, clamping down on ethnic minorities and narrowing the space for dissent.
    — RANA MITTER, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of dissent
Noun
  • The schism is reaching a boiling point weeks before Oakland voters select a new permanent mayor — the only person who can hire or fire a city administrator.
    — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Of course, there is now a clear schism among the major firms Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale are fighting.
    — Niall Stanage, The Hill, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of schism

Phrases Containing variance

Browse Nearby Words

variably
variance
variances
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Cite this Entry

“Variance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variance. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on variance

Nglish: Translation of variance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about variance

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