Vary is a verb with a few related but distinctclearly separate from each other; not the same meanings. Most often, it means that something is not always the same and can change in amount, form, or character. It can also mean to make something more diverseincluding many different kinds or types, or to differbe unlike something else; not match a rule or standard from a rule, standard, or expected line.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈveri/
Easy pronunciation: VAIR-ee (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable.
This is the verb meaning to change or differ according to conditions.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Vary Meaning
to change or be different from time to time, depending on the situation
Part of speech: verb
Definition: be subject to change in accordance with a variable
Example: Prices vary depending on the season.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- change — A broad, practical substitute in this everyday sense.
- alter — Works when the meaning is about becoming different, though it is a little more formal.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Vary
Meaning 2
to differ or take on a different form or quality
Part of speech: verb
Definition: become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence
Example: The design varies slightly from one model to the next.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- alter — Fits the idea of becoming different in some respect.
- change — A general synonym, though less specific.
Meaning 3
to add variety to something
Part of speech: verb
Definition: make something more diverse and varied
Example: The chef varied the menu each week.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- variegate — Can mean to make something varied, but it is uncommon and formal.
Meaning 4
to differ from or not agree with something
Part of speech: verb
Definition: be at variance with; be out of line with
Example: His account varies from the official report.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- depart — Works in the sense of departing from a standard or norm.
- deviate — A close match when something strays from a standard or pattern.
- diverge — Good when two things move apart in meaning or direction.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Vary Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- change
- alter
to make something more diverse or varied
- variegate
to be out of line with or differ from a standard
- depart
- deviate
- diverge
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes use vary as if it always means the same as change, but vary often means something changes across cases or conditions.
- Motley is related to variety, but it is not a good synonym for the verb vary.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does vary mean in simple English?
Vary means to change or be different in different situations, or to differ from something else.
What is the most common meaning of vary?
The most common meaning is that something is not always the same and can change depending on the conditions.
What are some common synonyms of vary?
Common synonyms include change and alter. In other senses, it can also match deviate or diverge.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-20. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.