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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some observers contended these moves show Meta’s content moderation changes are part of a larger movement for the company unrelated to the president-elect. —

Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025 Analyst David Konrad says key catalysts for the stock moving forward include a roughly 30% discount on its 2026 price-to-earnings ratio compare to peers, as well as potential changes to rules guiding the capital that banks must have against the credit. —

Brian Evans, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025

Verb

However, economists say the recent rise in bond yields is not equivalent to the surge seen in 2022 as the moves have been significantly less dramatic and the macro backdrop — including a cooling of inflation — has changed. —

Jenni Reid, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025 Related Articles While an uncertain consumer and economy, still-high interest rates and political uncertainty held many dealmakers back in 2024, the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions might be starting to change. —

Evan Clark, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for change

Recent Examples of Synonyms for change

Noun

The new law specifically bans the sale of products that can make the alterations.

Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 27 Dec. 2024
Time and distance have afforded a few cosmetic alterations to the original volume, such as the addition of color and, sadly, more conventional dimensions (the 2004 edition measured at about five and a half by ten inches, sticking up, plumelike at the top of our shelves).

The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 24 Dec. 2024