variation

noun

var·​i·​a·​tion ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce variation (audio)
Synonyms of variation
1
a
: the act or process of varying : the state or fact of being varied
b
: an instance of varying
c
: the extent to which or the range in which a thing varies
2
: declination sense 6
3
a
: a change of algebraic sign between successive terms of a sequence
b
: a measure of the change in data, a variable, or a function
4
: the repetition of a musical theme with modifications in such elements as rhythm, melody, harmony, key, tempo, and accompaniment
5
a
: divergence in the structural or functional characteristics of an organism from the species or population norm or average
b
: something (such as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
6
a
: a solo dance in classic ballet
b
: a repetition in modern ballet of a movement sequence with changes
variational
ˌver-ē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce variation (audio)
adjective
variationally adverb

Synonyms of variation

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Examples of variation in a Sentence

the movie begins with a somewhat irreverent variation on the Nativity story the latest in a long line of variations in her hair color
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The bob continues its reign as one of 2026’s defining haircuts, with everyone from Margot Robbie and Rosalía to Katie Holmes embracing variations on the chop. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 Property managers should be prepared for more variation in both properties and living arrangements, adapting their processes, technology and expertise as the housing market evolves. — Nathan Miller, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 The device keeps its light extremely stable, with frequency variation below 30 kilohertz, while rapidly changing its frequency over 900 megahertz as many as 1 million times per second. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026 Tuning into specific moments across Repair reveals plenty of detail churning inside, but there’s little variation between each song, and the record can feel monotonous as a whole. — Vanessa Ague, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English variacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French variacion "variance, discrepancy," borrowed from Latin variātiōn-, variātiō "diversification, divergence," from variāre "to make changeable, vary" + -tiōn- -tiō, suffix of deverbal nouns

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of variation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing variation

Rhymes for variation

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Browse Nearby Words

variate
variation
variational
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Cite this Entry

“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variation. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

variation

noun
vari·​a·​tion
ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən, 
ˌvar-
1
a
: a change in form, position, or condition
b
: amount of change or difference
2
: the repeating of a musical passage with a change in rhythm, tune, harmony, or key
variations on a theme by Haydn
3
a
: change in the characteristics that are usual for a species or group
b
: an individual or group showing variation
variational
-shnəl, 
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

variation

noun
var·​i·​a·​tion ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən, ˌvar- How to pronounce variation (audio)
1
: divergence in one or more characteristics of an organism or biotype from those typical of or usual for its group
2
: something (as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
variational
-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce variation (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on variation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about variation

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