variant Synonyms
Another word for variant
• noun (Context 1)
A form or version of something that differs in some respect from other forms of the same thing or from a standard.
"Checkers has many regional variants played with slightly different board sizes and rules around the world."
• noun (Context 2)
In biology and virology, a subtype of a microorganism, virus, or gene that is genetically distinct from a main strain due to one or more mutations.
"Public health researchers closely monitor emerging viral variants to assess whether existing vaccines remain effective."
• adjective (Context 3)
Differing from a standard, norm, or other forms of the same thing; exhibiting slight modification or divergence.
"The dictionary lists several alternative spellings for the medieval surname."
• noun (Context 4)
In linguistics and textual criticism, one of two or more alternative spellings, pronunciations, or manuscript readings of the same word or passage.
"The philologist compared the textual variants across three surviving fourteenth-century manuscripts."
Opposites of variant
The opposite of variant shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: