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
alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.
slightly altered the original design
vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.
vary your daily routine
modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.
modified the building for use by the disabled
Example Sentences
Verb He changed from an optimist to a pessimist. The town has changed little in recent years. These events have changed me in my attitude to life. You can't change human nature. Their relationship seems to have changed for the better. The leaves change color from green to red in the fall. She changed her name when she got married. France has changed its monetary unit from the franc to the euro. change the channel on the TVNoun There has been little if any change in her daily routine. You shouldn't be afraid of change. Change is a natural part of life. The years have brought many changes to the town's economy. We need to make some changes in the system. Many voters believe that it's time for a change. We've had to make a slight change in the schedule. a change for the worse We've been so busy that a quiet day at home was a welcome change. We eat at home a lot, so dining out sometimes is a nice change. Have you got change for a $10 bill? See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The movement stops every 20 minutes so that the ceremonial guard around the coffin can change. Jill Lawless, ajc, 14 Sep. 2022 While options change throughout the year, categories currently include: Bridal & Wedding, Kids & Baby, Pets, Books & Games (pictured), Home & Kitchen, Self-Care, Accessories and more. Hannah Chubb, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2022 Sarver has also had the past 12 months to help change the perception and reputation of his franchise. Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Sep. 2022 To highlight how rural and big city downtowns can change from easy-to-ignore to robust, the Restore Oregon organization has selected 11 restoration projects to receive a 2022 DeMuro Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation.oregonlive, 13 Sep. 2022 An Uber spokesman said the agreement to pay New Jersey doesn’t change the company’s viewpoint, and Uber disagrees with the state’s assertions. Jennifer Calfas, WSJ, 13 Sep. 2022 If lots of things don't change, IU has a chance to be very disappointing again. Tyler Tachman, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Sep. 2022 Not only does the emotional impact of many words differ from one language to another, but within just one language the emotional impact of a word may change from one era to the next.The New Yorker, 12 Sep. 2022 On a team full of big-name transfers, Neilon and veteran offensive linemen, such as fifth-year starter Andrew Vorhees and team captain Justin Dedich have taken it upon themselves to ensure some USC traditions never change.Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2022
Noun
The Shawn Mendes Foundation — which was founded in 2019 — seeks to amplify, empower, and uplift youth change makers, their organizations, and their work. Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2022 This change was driven by a drop in gasoline prices, Johnson said, along with flaws in the way the increase is calculated. Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, 15 Sep. 2022 But the biggest, biggest change as well is Alfonso coming in as a co-host. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 15 Sep. 2022 The vastly unequal distribution of power is keeping the U.S. from adopting broader social change. Jane Thier, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2022 The series, which sparked change in several states, was a Pulitzer Prize finalist.USA Today, 15 Sep. 2022 Create a simple clay dish to hold Dad's keys, loose change, or other pocket trinkets, then dress it up with a sweet message of love. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2022 Dear Bad Mom: The first step toward change is to recognize your negative pattern. Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 15 Sep. 2022 Dear Bad Mom: The first step toward change is to recognize your negative pattern. Amy Dickinson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Verb and Noun
Middle English, from Anglo-French changer, from Latin cambiare to exchange, probably of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish camm crooked