VARIATION Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

variation

noun

ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən

Definition of variation

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

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 The menu features several variations of burgers sans-bun for a protein kick without the carbohydrates. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 The VEROs are a variation of voluntary buyouts, with age as a factor. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 Timeless combinations like black and white, blue variations, or contrasting colors add personality while maintaining versatility. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2026 But it was filled with quicksilver, roller-coaster displays of virtuosity and the sly humor Lutoslawski and fellow Polish composer and pianist Andrzej Panufnik brought to their Paganini variations in its original 1941 iteration. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation

Noun

Under the Taliban’s draconian interpretation of sharia, watching movies, playing chess, singing, and playing or listening to music are all banned.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 31 Aug. 2026
Under certain interpretations of the 1963 rule, courts are not allowed to weigh whether a merger might make competition stronger overall.

— Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of interpretation

Noun

Every month, those cameras capture billions of license plates and other details about cars, including makes, models, colors and any alterations.

— Meg Anderson, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026
Projects such as new construction, additions, alteration or repairs, grading, retaining and fence walls, sign permits, swimming pools, change of use and use of land permits would qualify for fast-tracking.

— City News Service, Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of alteration

Noun

Most scenes were filmed with four or five takes as the actors experimented with different tones, feelings, and levels of sincerity to give Meriwether options in the editing room.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Hellerstein, in his ruling this week, disagreed with that take.

— Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of take

Noun

That difference was on display Wednesday in metro Atlanta when a Chinese auto parts company’s American division opened a new regional headquarters and factory.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
The fundamental difference is that there is no longer a coronation, and the new monarch automatically becomes king upon the death of his predecessor.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of difference

Noun

No firm timetable has been announced for the high-riding grand tourer, but there’s been reporting that the finished production version could be unveiled as soon as next year.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
The famous television version of Anne of Green Gables was being produced just as Madonna was on her enormously successful concert tour promoting Like a Virgin.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of version

Noun

Flock Safety announced some changes to its policies in mid-August after reports of misuse, including requiring officers to enter specific codes.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
That change was introduced to help give club staff working across transfer departments a more normal working pattern.

— Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of change

Noun

Big science, big detectors One modification that NASA made included building a large focal plane, the component of the telescope that collects light, made up of 18 wide area near-infrared detectors.

— Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
In addition to higher loan rates, new borrowing limits and the modification or phasing out of some repayment plans are also at play.

— Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of modification

Browse Nearby Words

variants

variation

variations

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“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of variation

noun

Example Sentences

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