1
as in interpretation
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play)
the movie begins with a somewhat irreverent variation on the Nativity story
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in alteration
the act, process, or result of making different
the latest in a long line of variations in her hair color
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of variation
Hundreds of people have received varied and quirky variations of the same message.
—
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 15 May 2026
There are several variations on classic trivia packaged into different games, as well as a one-letter-guessing game that’s suggestive of Jeopardy.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
In other cities where similar measures are in place, there are variations in exemptions, tax rates, enforcement and where the revenue is allocated.
—Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
The crystalline structure of molecules is more uniform, rather than a broad variation.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 15 May 2026
There are several variations on classic trivia packaged into different games, as well as a one-letter-guessing game that’s suggestive of Jeopardy.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
In other cities where similar measures are in place, there are variations in exemptions, tax rates, enforcement and where the revenue is allocated.
—Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
The crystalline structure of molecules is more uniform, rather than a broad variation.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
Noun
-
Sometimes, however, the generator would land on a truly poetic interpretation.—
Shanti Escalante-De Mattei,
ARTnews.com,
19 May 2026
-
The second layer is interpretation.—
Wyles Daniel
May 19,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Wilson’s boot also ended up having a last-minute alteration.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
18 May 2026
-
Top Petite-Friendly Styles at Quince Petite shoppers know the struggle of finding clothes that actually fit properly and don't require alterations.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Between takes, Liu did TikTok dances, trying to summon the right energy.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
This new modern-day, episodic take is a fun binge-watch with a lot of heart.—
Dana Feldman,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
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The difference is Giannis could be entering the final year of his contract.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2026
-
The obsession with a hundred has something to do with our attraction to round numbers, but, at that speed, every mile per hour does make a difference.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Wear the grey option with blue jeans for a semi-casual look, or dress up the lime green or black version with trousers and heels.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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Health officials are now investigating whether the outbreak involves the Ebola Zaire strain — the deadliest and most well-known version of the virus — or a different variant, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The spinoff will feature Beth Dutton riding horses more frequently, a change from her character's past trauma.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Perhaps the most controversial coaching change of the offseason came in Buffalo, as the Bills moved on from Sean McDermott and elevated Brady, the offensive coordinator, to take his place.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
These modifications provide Israel with greater independence in maintaining and upgrading the aircraft while improving mission adaptability in regional conflicts.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
-
These don’t alter the underlying DNA sequence of the cells but are modifications or chemical tags that alter gene activity.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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