vary

verb

ˈver-ē How to pronounce vary (audio)
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
as in to change
to make different in some way varied the method occasionally for the sake of experimentation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 This assorted bunch of flowers includes roses, carnations, and large chrysanthemums in varying shades of bright and pale pink, peach, and white with green foliage accents. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026 Income limits would vary by household size. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026 The loss protection varies across products. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026 The policy also makes clear that footage can stay on cloud servers for varying amounts of time, but also gives users the right to view and delete video at their discretion. —Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary
  1. differ
  2. change
  3. range
  4. shift
  5. contrast
  6. modify
  7. fluctuate
  8. alter
Verb
  • Much of Rocket’s recent success can be attributed to how its business model differs from PennyMac.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The two infielders share the same hometown, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, but offer some differing elements of their games.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of differ
Verb
  • The team analyzed 44 elements and found no single universal reaction to space; instead, microbial metabolism changed in distinct, element-specific ways.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
  • At the same time, the context around these measures has changed.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of change
Verb
  • Takaichi’s approval ratings are strikingly high, ranging from more than 50% to over 80% for people in their 20s in some polls, levels unseen in years and the envy of recent prime ministers.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Along with the car show there will be music, food and vendors selling items ranging from cars, car parts and accessories to key chains and helmets.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of range
Verb
  • This mindset started to shift in the 1960s, when scholars recognized ASL as a language.
    — Claire Rafford, IndyStar, 9 Feb. 2026
  • However, Musk is known for delivering bold statements and shifting timelines.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of shift
Verb
  • That accounts equally for Lily’s arch froideur and Diana’s enduring lack of self-worth, played by both actors with care and compassion, and contrasting flickers of vulnerability and resolve, respectively.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Ponder the 2023-24 average sports expenditures contrasted to the pre-pandemic 2018-19 pace.
    — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of contrast
Verb
  • Widespread uncertainty is impacting travelers to Cuba following ongoing fuel shortages there, forcing both domestic and international airlines to cancel or modify flight plans.
    — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Owners can take their car to the dealership to get the rear door switch circuits modified for free, NHTSA stated.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of modify
Verb
  • Its budget has fluctuated since its initial startup of $10 million.
    — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • For best results, avoid storing in the refrigerator door, where temperatures fluctuate.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of fluctuate
Verb
  • No outcome-altering fraud has ever been found.
    — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026
  • For riders like Valadez, the potential closures could be life-altering.
    — Da Lin, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of alter

Browse Nearby Words

varnishing
vary
varying
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vary

Nglish: Translation of vary for Spanish Speakers

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