variation

noun

ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce variation (audio)
Definition of variationnext
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

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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 Bold statement pockets added further structure to the overall look, while an elevated collar created a modern variation on the wardrobe staple. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026 Simulation creates a viable path, enabling millions of variations overnight instead of decades of trial and error. — Richard Clough, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Adler and his wife-cum-business partner, Rachel Jackson, who together own the group RAD Restaurants, have graced three establishments with variations on Aronow’s name, all of them devoted to a sort of modern version of Ashkenazi American cooking. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026 Howard created multiple variations, including a piano-and-cello duet and orchestral arrangements. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for variation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variation
  1. interpretation
  2. alteration
  3. take
  4. difference
  5. version
  6. change
  7. modification
Noun
  • The exact nature of the relationship between the two men is left open for interpretation, and has been publicly commented on by some involved in the production.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The herd exposes interpretation before the leader becomes the subject of the interpretation.
    — Paula Johnston, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • The hotel continues to honor the building's textile history, offering guests an alterations service provided by the professionals at Santa Eulalia, the most prestigious tailors in Barcelona.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Now, after a year of evaluation and alterations to its location, U pick fields, methods of payment and schedule, the Knaus team has instituted a few new rules.
    — Connie Ogle October 1, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of alteration
Noun
  • So that was one that was not just written on electric, that was written and recorded in one take.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • But on the day of the final take, right at the decisive moment, the bell didn’t ring.
    — Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of take
Noun
  • Functional connectivity in the fetal brain develops substantially later in gestation, with measurable differences in brain activity and facial responses to noxious versus innocuous stimulation appearing at approximately 33 weeks.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Three-dimensional light fields could provide a new way to probe these subtle differences because the fields themselves can have chiral, or handed, properties.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • Daily activities ranging from Zodiac whale watching excursions to bear-viewing by kayak make this feel like the Pacific Coast version of an African safari.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Luria said investors have seen versions of this story before and aren’t buying it.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of version
Noun
  • In addition to easing federal regulations, the bill also encourages states and cities to reform their land-use rules, which would mark a significant change in the federalist system with respect to city planning.
    — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Even Meta’s settlement with the attorneys general, which requires changes to features aimed at teens, contains plenty of unknowns and ties some of its actionability to competitors doing the same.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of change
Noun
  • Even without modification, white privacy lights are easily obscured by bangs and a bright sunny day.
    — Victoria Song, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Those systems support modifications, upgrades and integration work around the aircraft’s mission architecture.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of modification

Browse Nearby Words

variants
variation
variations
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Cite this Entry

“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variation. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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