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

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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

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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

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
Raising military pay and expanding firepower were positive measures, but whether Tinubu maintains the political energy needed to fully implement structural changes beyond this election season remains to be seen, Barnett said. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Other conditions and lifestyle factors can cause memory changes, which can be treated by addressing the underlying cause. — Danielle Zickl, HEALTH, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
Congress legalized home brewing in 1978 Occasional efforts in recent years to change the law failed to gain traction. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 These are hot-swappable, which means individual keys can be changed out without soldering. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 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
  • Naturally, Varnell, deemed out of touch, is resistant to the characterization and the alterations, and much of the comedy is mined from the contrast between the older and younger characters.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Implementing even a small change to an analog system involves physical alterations such as wiring, disconnections, connections and hardware validation.
    — Timor Brik, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of alteration
Noun
  • The team analyzed the corridor over the long term and used seasonal-trend decomposition using LOESS, a statistical method that helped separate seasonal fluctuations from longer-term settlement.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The short-sleeve shirt is ideal for temperature fluctuations in the cabin, and the stretchy wide-leg pants are perfect for long periods of sitting.
    — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of fluctuation
Noun
  • Palo Alto is putting its money where its mouth is on agentic security, announcing Tuesday the acquisition of Console for an undisclosed sum.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Gordon was completed swiftly, earning Newcastle more money than anticipated (with €70m benchmarked).
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of money
Verb
  • After much deliberation, and not without controversy, NASA decided to fly the Artemis II heat shield as is but modify the spacecraft’s reentry trajectory.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The company says the fuel could increase the power output of an existing reactor by up to 10% without modifying its steam generators.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of modify
Verb
  • Advocates hope — with varying degrees of optimism — that the result will help close the gaping disparities in how different demographic groups perform.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
  • School district rules While California has some laws governing electric bicycles, school districts may have varying rules.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of vary
Verb
  • In my experience, guests at other Awasis aren't much for mingling, but there are some exceptions among Brazilians, who are more likely to exchange friendly greetings after sharing a boat experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • First, the Huskies mixed it up with some marching band members on the practice field outside of Huskie Stadium, jumping in on a routine and exchanging fight songs, with the players chanting, clapping and pumping their fists during their version.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of exchange
Noun
  • That difference was on display Wednesday in metro Atlanta when a Chinese auto parts company’s American division opened a new regional headquarters and factory.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The fundamental difference is that there is no longer a coronation, and the new monarch automatically becomes king upon the death of his predecessor.
    — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • Through serial repetition, role-play, and the oscillation between masculine and feminine visual codes, Stötzer stages gender as something performed rather than possessed.
    — Elisa R. Linn, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • With its 350-degree oscillation, the air purifier can cover your space, too.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on change

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about change

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