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 That means the interest rate structure will vary, as will the rates and subsequent returns on each. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 20 May 2026 Showings may vary by location, so families are encouraged to check with their local Regal before heading to the theater. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026 Colors vary from genus to genus. —Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026 Vanguard Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. —Elizabeth Gravier, CNBC, 20 May 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
  • Both scales failed this test, meaning they can’t be used to compare people with differing intelligence—and conclusions like this study’s can’t be trusted.
    — Simon Makin, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
  • Koguchi described personal boundaries as an unfamiliar concept, noting that expectations around work and communication in Japan differ sharply from those in American workplaces.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
Definition of differ
Verb
  • James Harden was an All-Star snub and changed teams for the fourth time in six seasons.
    — Law Murray, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • See also films like Seconds (1966), in which a schlubby middle-aged man gets The Surgery to change him into Rock Hudson.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Definition of change
Verb
  • His excuses ranged from being too cold, to not having his phone or watch on him, to being a chill person who doesn’t like to show up early to the tee.
    — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • Forty-nine of them traveled to compete at nationals, which have ranged between the Midwest, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
    — Katie Servas, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Definition of range
Verb
  • But even more than this, contemporary Russian literature has fallen prey to the shifting norms of cultural consumption.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • First, in terms of travel distance, European tourists may shift from long-haul trips to shorter journeys.
    — , CNBC, 18 May 2026
Definition of shift
Verb
  • Use a relaxed belt to break up the monochromatic look, then contrast the sweetness of with some cool-girl sunglasses.
    — Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 14 May 2026
  • All three models are featured in a new campaign directed by visual artist duo Blackwall which contrasts the LightSpray production process with Loewe’s approach to materiality and design, set against a backdrop of bold color and saturated hues.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Definition of contrast
Verb
  • Those corners were modified again in 2019 to make the process of removing and re-installing them more straightforward.
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • In other words, Vizio must ensure the ability of users to copy, change/modify, and distribute the source code, including using the code in other free programs consistent with the Preamble and Terms and Conditions of the Agreements.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026
Definition of modify
Verb
  • The full-zip sweatshirt makes this Xieerduo set especially practical for layering—perfect over a tee or tank on travel days when temperatures can fluctuate.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026
  • These bottlenecks slow decision-making in a crisis, when every second counts to maintain supply continuity and manage fluctuating costs.
    — Alex Saric, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Definition of fluctuate
Verb
  • Now, the qualifying procedure — which was already slightly altered from previous years — is getting altered again.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
  • The dermatology and wellness center blends functional and aesthetic medicine to offer treatments designed to enhance natural features rather than dramatically alter them.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 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 22 May. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of vary for Spanish Speakers

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