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.

After all, it is a snappy cowpuncher variation on Woody Guthrie’s “Dusty Old Dust/So Long It’s Been Good to Know Yuh” with Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, the folk legend’s old musical partner, singing along.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Itauma - the prodigy who was sparring seasoned professionals while still at school - was in wonderful form from the first bell, using his speed and variation to send Franklin backtracking.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

The team noted that this hand stencil stands out as a unique variation of a common motif.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

Lately, though, I have found myself wondering about a small variation on this idea.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

Galton was not the first to attempt to model human heredity by measuring variation in humans.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

variation

Example Sentences

Related Words