variation

[vair-ee-ey-shuhn] / ˌvɛər iˈeɪ ʃən /

NOUN

difference; alternative

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abnormality alteration change deviation discrepancy disparity divergence diversity fluctuation innovation modification mutation shift variety

STRONG

aberration adaptation bend break contradistinction contrast curve deflection departure digression displacement dissimilarity dissimilitude distinction diversification exception inequality novelty swerve turn

WEAK

departure from the norm unconformity

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreement harmony sameness similarity stagnation uniformity

STRONG

conformity continuation equality likeness line normality regularity

WEAK

root source

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A 2026 review of adaptation in rapidly changing conditions highlighted how shifts in allele frequencies and traits depend heavily on available genetic variation.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2026

The category encompasses the quintile of stocks with the lowest variation in price moves, emphasizing value sectors like healthcare and financials.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

A Federal Reserve paper published last year found substantial and arbitrary variation in agent commissions across metropolitan areas.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

The Gallup-Purdue Index, surveying more than 30,000 graduates on workplace engagement and life satisfaction, finds that institutional type—private vs. public, selective vs. not—explains almost none of the variation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

‘Declination’ here means variation east and west, while ‘inclination’ means variation up or down from the horizontal.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing variation

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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"Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan

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Genetics - Inheritance and Variation of Traits

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