variance

noun

var·​i·​ance ˈver-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce variance (audio)
1
: the fact, quality, or state of being variable or variant : difference, variation
yearly variance in crops
2
: the fact or state of being in disagreement : dissension, dispute
3
: a disagreement between two parts of the same legal proceeding that must be consonant
4
: a license to do some act contrary to the usual rule
a zoning variance
5
: the square of the standard deviation
Phrases
at variance
: not in harmony or agreement
Choose the Right Synonym for variance

discord, strife, conflict, contention, dissension, variance mean a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony.

discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

Examples of variance in a Sentence

There was some variance in the results. We noticed a slight variance between the quality of the samples. He had to get a variance to add a garage on to his house.
Recent Examples on the Web Significant variances exist in how members think of AI systems, and this lack of convergence has public policy repercussions. Carlos Ignacio Gutierrez, IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2024 Hawaii also does not observe the time change since there is not a lot of variance between hours of daylight during the year, USA TODAY reported. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 Rochester Hills said Sheetz is seeking to build a new gas station and eatery on the 3900-block of S. Rochester Road and set to make its case for variances at a 7 p.m. public hearing Wednesday before the zoning board. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 8 Feb. 2024 New York City’s Board of Standards and Appeals grants a variance in zoning laws that have long favored manufacturing along the waterfront, allowing for the construction of some 220 apartments in the Austin, Nichols Warehouse, a grand structure on Kent Avenue. New York Times, 29 Jan. 2024 Moreover, the funding that does exist often ignores the fact that many conditions manifest differently for women and men, creating variances in outcomes that are typically worse for women. Lucy Perez, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2024 Jimmies also appealed a decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals, which granted a variance for the brewery to cover a larger portion of its property than normally permitted. Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2024 To account for variances, work with all your privacy stakeholders to identify appropriate (and realistic) goals. Jodi Daniels, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The wide variances create a cross-country picture that is at once mixed and nuanced. Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'variance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English variaunce "change, variety, discrepancy," borrowed from Anglo-French variance, borrowed from Latin variantia, "diversity, variety," from variant-, varians variant entry 1 + -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of variance was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near variance

Cite this Entry

“Variance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

variance

noun
vari·​ance
ˈver-ē-ən(t)s,
ˈvar-
1
: the quality or state of being variable or variant : difference
yearly variance in growth
2
: the fact or state of being in disagreement : dispute
3
: the square of the standard deviation

Legal Definition

variance

noun
var·​i·​ance ˈver-ē-əns How to pronounce variance (audio)
1
: a disagreement between two documents or positions
especially : a disagreement between allegations (as in an indictment or complaint) and proof offered at trial that warrants an appropriate remedy (as a directed verdict or an acquittal) when prejudicial to the substantial rights of the defendant
2
: an authorization to do something contrary to the usual restriction
a variance granted by a state agency
especially : permission for a use of real property that is prohibited by a zoning ordinance see also unnecessary hardship compare spot zoning

More from Merriam-Webster on variance

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