variation

noun

ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce variation (audio)
Definition of variationnext
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 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 variation Analyzing them together helps cancel some random variations and isolate the underlying physics. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 This story matters because the discovery began with human genetic variation that might otherwise have received less attention. — Segun Fatumo, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026 The Bon Appétit Test Kitchen has created 18 dishes, including breakfasts and variations for sides and salads to complement your family staples. — Jamila Robinson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 Models Kylie Jenner, Candice Swanepoel, Joan Smalls, Anok Yai and more walked the runway wearing a few variations of clear Amina Muaddi heels. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
  1. interpretation
  2. alteration
  3. take
  4. difference
  5. version
  6. change
  7. modification
Noun
  • The Knight’s Tale children’s department will offer a playful interpretation of the British home, inspired by medieval castles and courts.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
  • But the agent then inherits whatever semantics each system exposes, which is often very little, and fills the gaps with its own interpretation.
    — Felix Liao, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • These small changes may help shoppers avoid more expensive alterations.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The White House For Season 4, Beech made some alterations to the White House set.
    — Emily Zemler, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of alteration
Noun
  • Weaving every movement together are barely perceptible particles that make your ears blink and double-take—bubbles, dolphin gurgles, memory chips fidgeting, sprites hiccuping.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Our take is that every story in the Weekly World News is true.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of take
Noun
  • Gallup found no difference in scam victimization rates by age, and experienced professionals have been duped as well.
    — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The old boy was perfectly reasonable, explaining the difference between federal reimbursement and state reimbursement, and the speed that agencies move on the different levels.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • The year before, Milton Reynolds had discovered the pen while visiting Buenos Aires, and rushed home to create his own version, the Reynolds Rocket, which hit stores on October 29, 1945.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The more self-consciously operatic versions aren’t necessarily closer to the composer’s intentions.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of version
Noun
  • These changes were intended to support the long-distance challenge, which required multiple crossings rather than a single uninterrupted run in one direction.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Rest of World received some critical acclaim and broke several stories that prompted global policy changes, including its reporting on Uber Eats in South Africa and on mapping in rural Borneo.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of change
Noun
  • Do the same exercise as noted above, with or without the modification, with your feet together and uncrossed.
    — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Its existing capabilities provide a starting point for the conversion, although the transport configuration cannot perform the new mission without substantial modifications.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of modification

Browse Nearby Words

variants
variation
variations
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Cite this Entry

“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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