VARIANCES Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

variances

noun

plural of variance

as in frictions

a lack of agreement or harmony persistent variance within the rock band eventually caused it to break up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 variances The project needs Naperville City Council approval because of code variances requested for density, height and signage. — Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 The technology is well suited to many complex and repeatable workflows that define the function, from monitoring regulatory changes and reviewing invoices to identifying anomalies and forecast variances. — Hugo Sarrazin, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 During Thursday's planning commission meeting, commissioners discussed the annexation of the property into the City of Woodstock as well as rezoning and variances for the property. — Emily McLeod, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026 Finally, engineers will log subatomic decay variances to test basic physical laws. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026 Officials say the site is still under contract for redevelopment into a residential condominium building, pending contingencies such as zoning variances. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Suarez has said his plan would also mark a departure from what’s become common practice on the Beach for new construction where developers request variances and other breaks for projects. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 Ultimately, the company did not receive any variances or exemptions as a result of its efforts, the spokesperson said. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026 These variances can be attributed in part to the fact that there are 31 types of widows, five in the United States. — Eva Flowe may 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variances

Noun

Although many top‑level policy frameworks read promisingly, structural frictions create risk that reforms won’t deliver limited real‑world impact, Tang said.

— Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Wuthering Heights In Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte presents a world of conflicts, frictions between families, passions, and attachments—especially those of Catherine Earnshaw and the tortured Heathcliff—across an untamed landscape.

— Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of frictions

Noun

Your dedicated Slack channels, private discords and endless Reddit threads.

— April Uchitel, Flow Space, 6 Aug. 2025
In every case, physical science, which is based on the evidence reported by these limited and limiting senses, eventually leaves us stranded with the conviction that sickness, accidents, and disasters – discords of every description, regardless of the apparent cause – are real and inevitable.

— Lisa Rennie Sytsma, Christian Science Monitor, 20 June 2025

Definition of discords

Noun

The players air their grievances, which are essentially a pile of petty conflicts and resentments that, as Alice warned, can be traced back to the team fracturing into cliques.

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Mia Wasikowska perfectly embodies the role of Agata, a writer returning to her home continent, seeking to understand and reconnect with the wounds of the recent past, and with the ways in which unresolved conflicts continue to echo in the present.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of conflicts

Noun

This turns into a big argument about Issa being a weird little guy, and suddenly there are multiple potential roommate schisms in the house.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Yet since she was rescued in bad shape in mid-July and transferred to the Ojai Raptor Center for treatment, schisms have formed.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of schisms

Noun

The treaty has endured three wars and prolonged periods of diplomatic tensions but has come under increasing strain in recent years.

— Sam Meredith,Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Kitchen has seen some properties pushed even higher than that as sales frequently turn into bidding wars.

— Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of wars

Noun

Since his confirmation earlier this year, the central bank has split further on whether inflation is truly transitory; last month’s decision to keep rates steady resulted in the most dissents since 1970.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
No explanation on the decision was included, and no dissents were noted.

— Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissents

Noun

Miller has previously been at the center of ABS disputes while serving as crew chief for Reds games.

— Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
An e-bike ban at Newport Beach schools has sparked disputes between students and neighbors over kids parking in their neighborhoods.

— Michele Gile, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of disputes

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“Variances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variances. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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