vary

Word family

• varied
  adjectiveB1
• various
  adjectiveA2
• variation
  nounB1
• variety
  nounA2
• variable
  adjectiveB1
• variable
  nounB2
• variability
  nounB2
• invariably
  adverbB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

Differ, diversify, and alter each overlap with vary in sense 1 but carry different weights. Differ is the closest synonym when emphasising that two or more items are not the same — but differ is nearly always intransitive and cannot take a direct object (you cannot differ something). Diversify is more strategic and intentional, often involving expanding into new types or categories to reduce risk or increase interest, as in a business diversifying its products. Alter means to modify something while keeping its essential nature intact — it is a more deliberate, one-time adjustment than the ongoing or comparative sense of vary. For example: 'The twins differ in height' (intransitive, comparison only); 'The chef altered the recipe slightly' (deliberate one-off change); 'The company diversified its range of drinks' (expanding into new categories); 'The menu varies from day to day' (ongoing alternation).

Common collocations

Etymology

Vary comes from the Latin verb variare, meaning 'to change, make different, or diversify,' which itself comes from varius, meaning 'various, different, or spotted.' It entered English through Old French varier in the 14th century. The core idea of difference and change has stayed remarkably stable across the centuries.