variations

Definition of variationsnext
plural of variation
1
as in interpretations
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

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 variations To kick off 2026, both stars took to the streets (of New York City and Aspen, respectively) wearing variations of cozy Ugg boots. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026 Daydream Plus for the next quarter-century, or if Neil Young hung up his guitar and kept putting out variations on Trans. Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2026 Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz also offer variations of AI agents. Nora Eckert, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 With some species variations, all sorts of wild animals, from small rodents to elephants, will consume alcohol, even to the point of drunkenness. Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026 The white oak and stained walnut variations make space for a light-blanched vibe or a woodier and more sensational approach, depending on your preference. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026 There are many variations that add meat or even chili. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026 But a more recent line of research has pushed back against these notions, using statistical analysis to suggest that the apparent variations in response are just the result of measurement error and day-to-day biological variability. Outside, 6 Jan. 2026 The Luum robot offers three lash styles and two lash lengths, totaling six variations. Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variations
Noun
  • South Korea’s legislature hasn’t ratified the trade agreement due to a dispute over conflicting interpretations of its implementation.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The film plays with different interpretations of light.
    Jason Parham, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Negotiations to avert a partial government shutdown are being complicated by Democratic demands that any changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy be written into law by Congress.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Brooklyn Nets Barring massive changes, the Nets will definitely function as a cap space team.
    Danny Leroux, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The world is overwhelmed with noise — outrage cycles, shallow takes, and a culture that rewards certainty over understanding.
    Daphne Koller, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The first season is littered with strange narrative detours, thought-provoking philosophical takes, and a cinematic style that puts 99% of movies to shame.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The pursuers yelled taunts, threw bottles, and expected the two women to settle their differences with a fistfight, according to court records.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The bottom line Gold and silver serve different purposes in an investment portfolio, and 2026 is shaping up to be another year where those differences matter.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But there’s nothing stopping us from organizing more versions of Oakland 2011, when tens of thousands—including labor leaders and union members—drew on their own history to join in a day of action that shut down the city’s downtown business district and its busy port.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Jan. 2026
  • After giving the timeless Air Force 1 sneaker a major upgrade which also honored the late Kobe Bryant during summer 2025, Nike is set to deliver even more versions of the enhanced model this year.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • An Australian study of advanced brain images found significant alterations even among people who had already recovered from mild infections — a possible explanation for cognitive deficits that may persist for years.
    Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
  • An Australian study of advanced brain images found significant alterations even among people who had already recovered from mild infections — a possible explanation for cognitive deficits that may persist for years.
    Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Variations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variations. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on variations

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!