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
Known as one of Japan’s leading matcha chains, Nana’s Green Tea first opened in Tokyo and is known for classic matcha lattes — including playful variations and blended frappes with a variety of toppings.
—
Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
In Brazil, Sofa will launch the Portuguese-language versions of these channels, with some variations determined by the regional licensing agreements for the productions.
—Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 22 May 2026
This would account for why some people maintain a relatively stable weight and others have greater variation over time.
—Kim Pfotenhauer, The Conversation, 22 May 2026
The sample was selected by The New York Times in multiple steps to account for differential telephone coverage, nonresponse and significant variation in the productivity of telephone numbers by state.
—New York Times, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
In Brazil, Sofa will launch the Portuguese-language versions of these channels, with some variations determined by the regional licensing agreements for the productions.
—Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 22 May 2026
This would account for why some people maintain a relatively stable weight and others have greater variation over time.
—Kim Pfotenhauer, The Conversation, 22 May 2026
The sample was selected by The New York Times in multiple steps to account for differential telephone coverage, nonresponse and significant variation in the productivity of telephone numbers by state.
—New York Times, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
Noun
-
Literary criticism is lousy with interpretations of the significance of sexuality in this story, and for that matter, the significance of sexuality in James’ own life.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
-
When a senior leader is largely invisible, whether living behind closed doors, missing out on informal exchanges or silent in crucial conversations, the people around them make interpretations.—
Bill Koch,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
The alteration would significantly decrease the ridership benefits with the existing plan.—
Jon Coupal,
Oc Register,
25 May 2026
-
The other major alteration David made to the original treatment — a project spurred by his stepmother, Louise, who passed away in 2023 — was to incorporate his father into the story on screen.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
At a time of escalating viral threats, this is a take better suited to online feuds than to biosecurity strategy from the apex of American public health.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
24 May 2026
-
Our funniest, craziest moments were in between takes.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
But for all their differences, these presidents appeared to operate within a common political framework — one grounded in accountability to facts, responsibility for outcomes and acceptance of democratic processes.—
William Muck,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
While no single model applies universally—given state differences in economic structure, demographics, and obligations—the core principles of tax competitiveness and fiscal lessons offer valuable lessons.—
Nicole Huyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
Summer is belt bag season, and this vibrant pink version instantly brightens any warm-weather outfit.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
23 May 2026
-
Like the women’s version, the Men’s Rincon 4 is very lightweight and cushioned with springy foam that delivers a ton of rebound.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
The spinoff will feature Beth Dutton riding horses more frequently, a change from her character's past trauma.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Perhaps the most controversial coaching change of the offseason came in Buffalo, as the Bills moved on from Sean McDermott and elevated Brady, the offensive coordinator, to take his place.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
This structural modification was confirmed using advanced analysis techniques at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
22 May 2026
-
Currently, there is no way to share those modifications, but that’s something Google is exploring.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
