varied
Americanadjective
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characterized by or exhibiting variety; various; diverse; diversified.
varied backgrounds.
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changed; altered.
a varied estimate.
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having several different colors; variegated.
adjective
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displaying or characterized by variety; diverse
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modified or altered
the amount may be varied without notice
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varicoloured; variegated
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of varied
Explanation
Something is varied when it covers a wide range of things. If you start out eating eggs in the morning, then have a snack of sushi, then pizza for lunch, fresh fruit with your tea, and a beef stew for dinner, you have a varied diet. The word varied comes from vary, which means "to change, alter." Think of varied as describing something that has many altered forms or has been changed often. There are many varied ideas on how to improve the economy. The artist has painted in varied styles as his interests have changed. And a varied workout routine will keep you from getting bored.
Vocabulary lists containing varied
Much Ado: Synonyms for "Many"
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"The Chaser"
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Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 6
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The reasons electricity costs are rising have been complex and varied across the U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026
Despite those varied responsibilities, the department has been underfunded for years, said Tori Kjer, executive director of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, who pushed for the measure to reach the ballot.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
Across their opening five matches, Chelsea averaged 51.4% possession when level, 34.5% when ahead and 67.2% when behind - highlighting how much their possession has varied with the score.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026
The finding also suggests that Cretaceous mammals may not have been as anatomically varied as scientists might have inferred from their teeth alone.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 28, 2026
After playing some Italian songs, Miss Bingley varied the charm by a lively Scotch air; and soon afterwards Mr. Darcy, drawing near Elizabeth, said to her—
From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.