change 1 of 2

noun

Definition of changenext
1
as in alteration
the act, process, or result of making different the positive change in our students' attitude toward people who are somehow different was a long and gradual process

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fluctuation
the frequent and usually sudden passing from one condition to another there is nothing so constant as change itself

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in money
something (as pieces of stamped metal or printed paper) customarily and legally used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment she spent quite a chunk of change on that car

Synonyms & Similar Words

change

2 of 2

verb

ˈchānj How to pronounce change (audio)
1
as in to modify
to make different in some way my wife has changed the look of our living room more times than we care to remember

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to vary
to pass from one form, state, or level to another the weather in New England is constantly changing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to exchange
to give up (something) and take something else in return would you mind changing your seat so my friends can sit together?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word change different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of change are alter, modify, and vary. While all these words mean "to make or become different," change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.

changed the shirt for a larger size

When might alter be a better fit than change?

Although the words alter and change have much in common, alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use modify instead of change?

The synonyms modify and change are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

Where would vary be a reasonable alternative to change?

In some situations, the words vary and change are roughly equivalent. However, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

How is the word change different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of change are alter, modify, and vary. While all these words mean "to make or become different," change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.

changed the shirt for a larger size

When might alter be a better fit than change?

Although the words alter and change have much in common, alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use modify instead of change?

The synonyms modify and change are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

Where would vary be a reasonable alternative to change?

In some situations, the words vary and change are roughly equivalent. However, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of change
Noun
Those changes include filling a key vaccine advisory panel with dubious anti-vaccine allies and unilaterally slashing childhood vaccine recommendations. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026 Cassidy, who cast a crucial vote for Kennedy to become health secretary, has opposed many of his vaccine policy changes, such as an update to the CDC website suggesting that there could be a link between vaccines and autism. —Brennan Leach, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
Mitchell Robinson changed the feel of the game again with his activity and force. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026 What has changed is not the representation, which has become identical everywhere, but that certain mechanisms have become recognizable across contexts. —Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for change
Recent Examples of Synonyms for change
  1. alteration
  2. fluctuation
  3. money
  4. modify
  5. vary
  6. exchange
  7. difference
  8. oscillation
Noun
  • Other red flags are alterations, cross-outs or erasures.
    — Mahsa Saeidi, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Morens faces charges of conspiracy against the United States; destruction, alteration or falsification of records in federal investigations; concealment, removal or mutilation of records; and aiding and abetting, according to a Justice Department news release.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of alteration
Noun
  • Natalie Harris, who has owned Houston's Renegade Bridal & Dye Lab for two decades, explained to The Wall Street Journal that weight fluctuations have become nearly impossible to predict since the rise of GLP-1s — which wasn't always the case.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The more fluctuations in temperature, the more the quality will degrade.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of fluctuation
Noun
  • Trump has vowed to spend his own money to pay for the ballroom, but the project has drawn criticism for its massive size.
    — Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Opponents of Johnson’s added into the budget an expectation that the city would earn $6 million from the technology, though Johnson’s administration argued the city could not responsibly count on the money.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of money
Verb
  • That second explanation, known as dark matter, was initially favored because the addition of that one ingredient could explain all of the observed physical phenomena on a variety of scales, while modifying gravity required different modifications to align with different scales.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Affordability aspects of the federal push have also been modified or removed, according to Clark and an analysis released by the National Association of Counties.
    — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of modify
Verb
  • Prices will vary for each flight depending on the time and day travelers are looking to fly.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Most patients plan for two separate trips, although the exact timeline can vary depending on individual treatment needs.
    — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of vary
Verb
  • The play can get intense and competitive, but some people are more interested in the social component of mahjong, being next to neighbors and exchanging stories or game tips.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The pro football player, 28, and his wife, 24, exchanged vows underneath a marble dome surrounded by blush-toned blooms, set directly in front of a lake fountain.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of exchange
Noun
  • Alex Bonetig’s goal more than five minutes into extra time made the difference for Portland (4-1-5), which threatened repeatedly late to break a 1-1 stalemate that lasted nearly the entire second half.
    — Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Their fans will have cast a nervous glance at the goal difference column after City raced into the lead at Turf Moor through Erling Haaland after five minutes.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • One of the key targets of the NGRST surveys is what are called baryon acoustic oscillations.
    — JOHN TIMMER, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
  • That is an oscillation of the Moon, causing parts near the edge of the disc that are often not visible from the Earth to sometimes come into view.
    — Ray Petelin, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
Definition of oscillation

Phrases Containing change

Browse Nearby Words

chandeliers
change
changeability
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Cite this Entry

“Change.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/change. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on change

Nglish: Translation of change for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about change

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