Joined in duet with variations (6)

I believe the answer is:

united

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'joined' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'in duet with variations' is the wordplay.
'in duet' anagrams to 'UNITED'.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for united that I've seen before include "Joined together as in alliance" , "Joined together as one" , "cooperative" , "See 14" , "See 9" .)

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