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
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 Seed prices vary greatly—from $5 for 2,500 seeds to almost $7 for 500 seeds—so shop around for the best buy. Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 29 June 2026 These laws, which exist in varying forms, may allow certain creditors — including nursing homes in limited circumstances — to seek payment from financially able adult children when a parent cannot pay what's owed. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 29 June 2026 However, the rules vary, especially with international airline loyalty programs. Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 29 June 2026 Deadlines can be significant, and requirements may vary, particularly when government entities are involved. William Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary
Verb
  • This Hollywood initiative advises major studios like Disney and Paramount on crafting stories that promote pluralism and humanize differing perspectives.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • But club sports differ greatly from varsity athletics in terms of funding and visibility.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Chishti said the rulings signify that future presidents could continue to change immigration policies at their discretion.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Factor meals are made with health-conscious ingredients that can cater to your dietary needs, ranging from Keto to vegan and beyond.
    Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The setup can scan an area measuring 200 by 200 micrometers at heights ranging from 50 to 450 micrometers above the surface.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Here is another example in the opening 45 minutes, where Brazil’s midfield is shifted over to the near side to condense the space around Morocco.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • The Facebook page shifted to a private setting to create a more intimate space.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Those gathering for the lying in state and funeral will contrast with huge nationwide protests in January that were met by a deadly crackdown by security forces that left thousands dead and sent shock waves around the world.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • The film uses their contrasting outlooks to raise questions about the responsibilities of witnessing tragedy through a camera lens.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Also, remember that rules must be adopted or modified using the process prescribed by Civil Code 4360.
    Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • Although the Mars rovers were designed to operate on the surface of Mars, the JPL engineers said Promise could be modified to work on the Moon.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • When alerts start to fluctuate unpredictably or systems require constant recalibration, teams often lose trust quickly.
    Freddy Kuo, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Even summer packing lists call for a lightweight layer to beat fluctuating cabin temperatures and breezy oceanfront evenings, which is why the BeCalm Wrap-front Long-sleeve Shirt is a no-brainer buy at 38 percent off.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Vibe Science frames the next generation as devices that alter physiology on demand.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
  • Cárdenas talked with episode director Trey Edward Shults about the right way to illustrate the Bowdens’ POV and landed on a number of devices that would alter reality without becoming overly self-conscious.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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