VARY Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vary

verb

ˈver-ē

Definition of vary

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

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

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

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 timeframe varies based on the patient’s treatment, clinical needs, and their symptoms. — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 However, the impact varies by sector, and some like metal products and transportation equipment have seen modest gains. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026 Items shipped to Hawaii and Alaska are subject to higher shipping rates, which may vary. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2026 While style varies by winery, techniques to add depth and complexity to Albariño include long aging on the lees and fermentation or maturation in wood, granite, or concrete vessels. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary

Verb

How do fresh and canned pumpkin puree differ in texture and flavor?

— Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
Local rules can differ, so check with your county or city before proceeding.

— Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of differ

Verb

They were showered with expensive clothes, spa treatments, and drugs, and given weekly allowances ranging from $150 to $200.

— Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Applications could range from assessing the impact of an earthquake by comparing imagery before and after an event to monitoring changes in infrastructure or identifying developments in a sensitive area.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of range

Verb

Election forecaster Cook Political Report shifted Ohio’s gubernatorial race toward Democratic candidate Amy Acton on Friday after a week of backlash over an ad Republican Vivek Ramaswamy ran featuring her estranged mother.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026
Miller points out that the numbers are extremely volatile, and could shift big time by election day.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of shift

Verb

His story contrasts sharply with Netanyahu’s elite Jerusalem upbringing in the circles of power.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
What readers are saying The conversation explores the contrasting perceptions of two political figures, Marshall and Hamilton, in the context of Kansas politics.

— Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of contrast

Verb

The Lake Wylie Marine Commission has rescinded its support for Charlotte Water’s request to modify its interbasin transfer agreement, the group’s leadership told Mecklenburg County commissioners during its annual report Tuesday.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
For most people, manually modifying system firmware introduces additional risks.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of modify

Verb

Many laboratory innovations fail when tested on real-world power grids, where fluctuating solar and wind energy subjects equipment to harsh operating cycles.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
This insulates these segments of the market from the effects of fluctuating mortgage rates.

— Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of fluctuate

Verb

In that scene, Rhys Harries impressively alters his own features without makeup.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Shorter days alter light exposure, which affects circadian rhythms, the internal biological processes that regulate sleep, alertness and mood.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of alter

Browse Nearby Words

varnishing

vary

varying

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vary. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of vary

verb

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