vary

verb

ˈver-ē How to pronounce vary (audio)
varied; varying
Synonyms of varynext

transitive verb

1
: to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic
2
: to make differences between items in : diversify

intransitive verb

1
: to exhibit or undergo change
the sky was constantly varying
2
: deviate, depart
3
: to take on successive values
y varies inversely with x
4
: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form
varyingly
ˈver-ē-iŋ-lē How to pronounce vary (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for vary

change, alter, vary, modify mean to make or become different.

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

alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

Examples of vary in a Sentence

The terrain varies as you climb higher. The cost of a room at the hotel varies with the season. Their services vary depending on the customer. They've tried to improve their procedures, with varying degrees of success. The diamonds vary in size. Colors vary from light to dark. I try to vary my diet by eating different kinds of foods.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That region of the Earth’s atmosphere called the ionosphere can contain varying levels of free electrons that, when highly concentrated, can slow down GPS signals traveling between satellites and device receivers. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024 The condition of Bay Area roads varies widely by jurisdiction, according to a recent report by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the regional transportation agency for the nine counties. —Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 The filing also details the company's segment performance, including Commercial Banking, Healthcare Financial Services, and Consumer Banking, with each segment showing varying levels of growth and challenges. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 This provisional ranking reflects trends in the overall risks of implementing AI in enterprises, and the actual order varies depending on the needs of the business. —Oleksandr Sheremeta, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vary 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English varien, borrowed from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French varier, borrowed from Latin variāre "to mark with contrasting colors, give variety to, make changeable," derivative of varius "having contrasting colors, of different kinds, changeable," of uncertain origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vary was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near vary

varvity

vary

varying hare

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vary. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

vary

verb
ˈver-ē How to pronounce vary (audio)
ˈvar-
varied; varying
1
: to make a minor or partial change in
2
: to give variety to
3
: to show or undergo change
4
a
: to be different
b
: to change in bodily structure or function away from what is usual for members of a group
varyingly
-iŋ-lē How to pronounce vary (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

vary

intransitive verb
ˈver-ē, ˈvar-ē How to pronounce vary (audio)
varied; varying
: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form

More from Merriam-Webster on vary

Nglish: Translation of vary for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of vary for Arabic Speakers

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