alteration
noun
al·ter·a·tion
ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən 
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
The stadium will need several alterations to accommodate the soccer team, including changes to the field, improvements on the HVAC system, flood and drainage repairs, and other structural fixes.
—
P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
While the rotary knob that surrounds the ignition button provides quick access to the various drive modes (which includes a customizable Individual mode), hard buttons for features like damper stiffness and exhaust volume allow for specific alterations to the driving experience on the fly.
—Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
One swift effect of passage was an alteration of the distribution of state spending in the South, with more money going to areas with heavily Black populations.
—Stephen L. Carter, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
The expansion marks the most significant alteration of the men’s tournament format since 1984-85, when the field was expanded from 53 teams to 64.
—Gary Bedore
may 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for alteration
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P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
While the rotary knob that surrounds the ignition button provides quick access to the various drive modes (which includes a customizable Individual mode), hard buttons for features like damper stiffness and exhaust volume allow for specific alterations to the driving experience on the fly.
—Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
One swift effect of passage was an alteration of the distribution of state spending in the South, with more money going to areas with heavily Black populations.
—Stephen L. Carter, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
The expansion marks the most significant alteration of the men’s tournament format since 1984-85, when the field was expanded from 53 teams to 64.
—Gary Bedore
may 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for alteration
Cite this Entry
“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alteration
noun
al·ter·ation
ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən
1
a
: the act or process of altering
b
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of altering : modification
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