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

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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

Examples 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

The issue of whether and how to change the Supreme Court is deeply polarizing along partisan lines, with many Democrats demanding change in recent years and most Republicans dismissing those demands as efforts to stop the court's shift to the right. —

Tobi Raji The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 Dec. 2024 The desire for change, and the swerve toward Trump’s views on the economy, immigration, and foreign policy, propelled Trump to the presidency as well as to newfound popularity. —

Matthew Continetti, National Review, 7 Dec. 2024

Verb

More news: Roki Sasaki's Arrival Stirs Controversy Around MLB's Amateur Signing Rules Teams can also trade for additional international amateur bonus money in the meantime, but not enough to measurably change Sasaki's earning potential. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024 But the recent rebel push has changed that power dynamic. —

Mostafa Salem, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for change

Recent Examples of Synonyms for change

Noun

The department had also made a complaint that alterations had been made to the building without a permit.

Marni Rose McFall, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
The boutique design-build firm does everything from minor home updates to major structural alterations and takes a holistic approach to each project, guiding clients from concept to completion.

Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 4 Dec. 2024