Definitions

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.

“In the 14th century A.D., a Moroccan explorer named Ibn Battuta documented that a buttery variation of khichuri was eaten daily in South Asia,” wrote Rachael Grow for Mashed.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

The EA said it was satisfied the variation met environmental requirements and provided a high level of protection for human health and the environment.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Most, argues the researcher, a distinguished professor of psychology at UC Riverside, say some variation of “I love you.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Several of the aptamers attached to a variation of fibronectin, a protein found on the surface of mouse cells.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2026

Eventually, however, the naysayers were forced to concede that not only did variation change over time, but so did dip.

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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