alteration

noun

al·​ter·​a·​tion ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce alteration (audio)
plural alterations
1
: the act or process of altering something
The dress needs alteration for a proper fit.
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of changing or altering something: such as
a
: a change made in fitting a garment
no charge for alterations
b
: a change in a legal instrument that alters its legal effect
She made some alterations to her will.
c
: a mineral that has been altered by a chemical process : metasomatism

Examples of alteration in a Sentence

the alteration of the pattern They did a good job on the dress alteration. He made alterations in his will.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Any major chemical alteration to the fossil can affect the strontium value and give an inaccurate date. Bruce J. MacFadden, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2025 The ballpark was granted landmark status in 1984 to prevent alterations by Tribune Co. in what was then a mostly advertising-free venue. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025 Probably most significant were alterations to protections afforded by the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). Frederick Reimers, Outside Online, 27 Jan. 2025 That is a tweak from when Dubravka deputised last season, suggesting a deliberate alteration, and the goalkeeper has looked far more assured because of it. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for alteration 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alteracioun "change, transformation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French alteracion, borrowed from Medieval Latin alterātiōn-, alterātiō, from Late Latin alterāre "to change, alter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near alteration

Cite this Entry

“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

alteration

noun
al·​ter·​ation ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce alteration (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of altering
b
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of altering : modification

More from Merriam-Webster on alteration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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