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

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 vary The practice of tipping is deeply ingrained in American dining culture, but its application varies significantly from other parts of the world, where service charges often replace tips entirely. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025 The array of explosions also varied in terms of luminosity, which will aid researchers in their search for answers to dark energy and the acceleration of the universe. —

Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025 However, the specific amount of betaine in beet juice varies. —

Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2025 The cost of golden visas varies by country, often involving real estate purchases, government bonds, or donations starting from around €250,000. —

Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for vary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vary

Verb

If the comptroller’s value for a district differs from TAD’s estimate by 10% or more, the district automatically loses state funding.

— Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2025
The House and Senate are both plowing ahead with differing visions for passing President Donald Trump's agenda on Capitol Hill, which will include big spending on border security and defense, along with likely big cuts to programs like Medicaid and food assistance.

— Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025