1
as in interpretation
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
as in alteration
the act, process, or result of making different
the latest in a long line of variations in her hair color
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of variation
Furthermore, as agentic systems find incredibly narrow advantages, the requirements needed to fulfill all those variations quickly outstrip human ability to imagine them.
—
Phoena Pang,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
North and South Carolina span roughly 86,000 square miles, across which there are probably just as many barbecue sauce variations.
—
Amethyst Ganaway,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 July 2026
To evaluate claims of unfair advantages, strangers may request hormone or genetic testing to look for common biological variations that cisgender children and their parents may not even be aware of.
—
Megan Gandy,
The Conversation,
1 July 2026
The sample was selected by The New York Times in multiple steps to account for differential telephone coverage, nonresponse and significant variation in the productivity of telephone numbers by state.
—
New York Times,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Phoena Pang,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
North and South Carolina span roughly 86,000 square miles, across which there are probably just as many barbecue sauce variations.
—
Amethyst Ganaway,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 July 2026
To evaluate claims of unfair advantages, strangers may request hormone or genetic testing to look for common biological variations that cisgender children and their parents may not even be aware of.
—
Megan Gandy,
The Conversation,
1 July 2026
The sample was selected by The New York Times in multiple steps to account for differential telephone coverage, nonresponse and significant variation in the productivity of telephone numbers by state.
—
New York Times,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
Noun
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Ursuline maintains the conference has breached its constitution and bylaws in both substantive interpretation and adherence to procedural safeguards.
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As a consequence of its sheer polyphonic complexity, Moby-Dick thwarts simple interpretation.
Noun
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The Fish and Wildlife Service says habitat alteration has reduced its range and abundance, because the butterflies need specific food plants and places to live and grow during critical stages of their life cycle.
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This data can be helpful in tracking changes in body composition due to alterations in patient diet, exercise level, or drug treatments.
Noun
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There was some very cool work on display, but what is your broad take about the state of play in animation at the moment?
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But when thousands of people saw Kansas City’s Taylor Swift tribute artist dressed as a bride marrying a ringer for Travis Kelce, some did a double-take.
Noun
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There may be some differences between the audio and the text.
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Heavy Cream The biggest difference between half-and-half and heavy cream is the amount of fat.
Noun
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The additional diamonds have been removed, while the band was replaced with a pavé version.
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The previous version of the bill had garnered strong bipartisan support in the 80-person Assembly, passing out of the chamber with 76 votes in favor of it.
Noun
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Prices are subject to rapid, unpredictable changes due to factors like, but not limited to, supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical events.
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Valerie Castile spoke Monday night about many changes inspired by her son’s death.
Noun
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The modification also attracted the attention of his HOA, which filed a lawsuit.
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Specifically, policymakers cite the importance of more preventive care in addition to lifestyle modifications such as a better diet and more exercise that improve health independent of healthcare provision.
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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