vary
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for vary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To change or differ, especially over time or from one instance to another.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use vary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French varier, from Latin variare, "to change, make different," based on varius, "various."
Full origin of vary →Frequently asked questions
What does “vary” mean?
The word “vary” means to change or differ, especially over time or from one instance to another. In plain terms, to vary is to change, or to be different from one case to another.
How do you pronounce “vary”?
“Vary” is pronounced VEH-uh-ree (/ˈvɛəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “vary” in a sentence?
Here is “vary” used in a sentence: “Prices vary depending on the season.”
What is another word for “vary”?
Words with a similar meaning to “vary” include change.
What part of speech is “vary”?
“Vary” is a verb.
Where does the word “vary” come from?
The word “vary” comes from Latin. From Old French varier, from Latin variare, "to change, make different," based on varius, "various.".
Is “vary” a common word?
“Vary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “vary” have?
“Vary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to change or differ, especially over time or from one instance to another.
What is the difference between vary and change?
Vary means to differ or fluctuate across instances or over time, often implying a range of values. Change is broader and usually describes a single shift from one state to another rather than ongoing variation.
What is the difference between vary and differ?
Vary suggests changing over time or spreading across a range of values. Differ describes being unlike something else at a given moment, so prices vary week to week but two prices differ from each other.
What is the difference between vary and various?
Vary is a verb meaning to change or differ. Various is an adjective meaning several different, so results may vary but there are various results.
What are common phrases that use vary?
Frequent collocations include vary widely, results may vary, and vary from person to person. These all highlight differences across instances rather than a single change.