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.

Taranto investigated Pangram’s consistency and found enough variation to dismiss it.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

That’s led to some variation in the estimates.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

They create pockets of richness, visual contrast, textural variation.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

The researchers report that genetics may account for roughly half of the variation in human lifespan, which is at least double previous estimates.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

By 1475, in one or another variation, this was the standard belief.

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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