CHANGE Synonyms: 182 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'change' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of change are alter , modify , and vary . While all these words mean "to make or become different," 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 'alter' be a better fit than 'change'?

Although the words alter and change have much in common, 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 'modify' instead of 'change'?

The synonyms modify and change 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

Q: Where would 'vary' be a reasonable alternative to 'change'?

In some situations, the words vary and change are roughly equivalent. However, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition. // vary your daily routine

change 1 of 2

noun

Definition of change next

as in alteration

the act, process, or result of making different the positive change in our students' attitude toward people who are somehow different was a long and gradual process

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fluctuation

the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another there is nothing so constant as change itself

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as in money

something (as pieces of stamped metal or printed paper) customarily and legally used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment she spent quite a chunk of change on that car

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change

2 of 2

verb

ˈchānj

as in to modify

to make different in some way my wife has changed the look of our living room more times than we care to remember

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to vary

to pass from one form, state, or level to another the weather in New England is constantly changing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to exchange

to give up (something) and take something else in return would you mind changing your seat so my friends can sit together?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word change different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of change are alter, modify, and vary. While all these words mean "to make or become different," 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 alter be a better fit than change?

Although the words alter and change have much in common, alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use modify instead of change?

The synonyms modify and change 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

Where would vary be a reasonable alternative to change?

In some situations, the words vary and change are roughly equivalent. However, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

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 change

Noun

Prices rose from $2.52 per-dozen for large, grade A eggs in January 2024 to $4.15 by that December, a nearly 65% change in just twelve months, per data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. —

Solcyré Burga, TIME, 11 Feb. 2025 For context, here's what happened at Renaissance: Though there were some slight changes throughout the tour, Beyoncé played at least parts of every song off the album, as well as plenty of classics and deep cuts throughout her show’s six acts. —

Glamour, 11 Feb. 2025

Verb

The name of the military installation was changed in 2023 as part of a broad Department of Defense initiative, motivated by the 2020 George Floyd protests, to rename military installations bearing the name of Confederate soldiers. —

Louis Casiano, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025 Over the last century, humans have dramatically changed that cycle. —

Lauren Sommer, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for change

Recent Examples of Synonyms for change

Noun

Nordstrom Locals are service hubs in convenient locations providing online order pickups, alterations, returns, exchanges, stylists and gift wraps.

— David Moin, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025
With ever-so-slight alterations to the script (including the brilliant choice to bring back Rita Moreno, who won an Oscar for her role in the original film), the remake dazzled.

— Vogue, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025