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 next

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

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 vary While opening dates and hours vary, some are open year-round and several spring to life in April, offering fresh produce, handmade items and gourmet accoutrements such as jams and jellies. —

Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025 In an October 2024 Time interview, Antonoff comments on his varying musical projects and how he’s viewed as someone who’s supposedly busier than other artists. —

Spin Staff, SPIN, 9 Jan. 2025 The at-home workouts include signature strength, sweat, sculpt, and stretch classes that vary in length, intensity, and equipment options and are somehow just as difficult as taking Godso’s classes at a local studio. —

Nicole Demarco, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025 During last fall’s walkouts, estimates of the potential damage to the global economy varied widely. —

William Gavin, Quartz, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for vary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary

Verb

Also, 84% of respondents agree that lighting fixtures will increasingly feature differing materials.

Terri Williams, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Succession stars Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong all continue to have differing approaches to acting — and continue to voice those differences.

Charna Flam, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025