varied; varying
1
: to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic
2
: to make differences between items in : diversify
1
: to exhibit or undergo change
the sky was constantly varying
3
: to take on successive values
y varies inversely with x
4
: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form
Examples of vary in a Sentence
The terrain varies as you climb higher.
The cost of a room at the hotel varies with the season.
Their services vary depending on the customer.
They've tried to improve their procedures, with varying degrees of success.
The diamonds vary in size.
Colors vary from light to dark.
I try to vary my diet by eating different kinds of foods.
Recent Examples on the Web
Most degens will be a mix of the two in varying degrees.
—
Zain Jaffer, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024
There are different types of clouds which obscure more or less of the sun and fill more or less of the sky to varying extents.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024
Advertisement In-person attendance has varied, as women’s tournament venues had a lot fewer seats than the arenas for the men’s games.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Near La Crosse, with the temperature at or near freezing and the variable elevations in the area, snow accumulation reports varied dramatically.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024
Dates may vary, but the lowest price clocks in at around 60–70,000 Aeroplan points in each direction or 80,000 MileagePlus miles each way plus tax.
—Ramsey Qubein, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2024
She’s got two, maybe even three of varying lengths.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2024
Minimum and Maximum Cutting Height Grass can be kept at varying heights, depending on the type.
—Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2024
Definitions of a supermoon can vary, but the term generally denotes a full moon that is closer to Earth than normal and thus appears larger and brighter in the night sky.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 24 Mar. 2024
Zain Jaffer, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024
There are different types of clouds which obscure more or less of the sun and fill more or less of the sky to varying extents.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024
Advertisement In-person attendance has varied, as women’s tournament venues had a lot fewer seats than the arenas for the men’s games.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Near La Crosse, with the temperature at or near freezing and the variable elevations in the area, snow accumulation reports varied dramatically.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024
Dates may vary, but the lowest price clocks in at around 60–70,000 Aeroplan points in each direction or 80,000 MileagePlus miles each way plus tax.
—Ramsey Qubein, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2024
She’s got two, maybe even three of varying lengths.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2024
Minimum and Maximum Cutting Height Grass can be kept at varying heights, depending on the type.
—Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2024
Definitions of a supermoon can vary, but the term generally denotes a full moon that is closer to Earth than normal and thus appears larger and brighter in the night sky.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 24 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near vary
Cite this Entry
“Vary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vary. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
vary
intransitive verb
varied; varying
: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form
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