alter

verb

ˈȯl-tər How to pronounce alter (audio)
Definition of alternext
1
as in to modify
to make different in some way can't you alter your plans just slightly so we can leave 10 minutes earlier?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to fix
to remove the sex organs of contends that cats and dogs that have been altered make better pets

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word alter different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of alter are change, modify, and vary. While all these words mean "to make or become different," alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use change instead of alter?

In some situations, the words change and alter are roughly equivalent. However, change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.

changed the shirt for a larger size

In what contexts can modify take the place of alter?

The synonyms modify and alter are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

When might vary be a better fit than alter?

Although the words vary and alter have much in common, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of alter While those albums captured much of the project’s early spirit and altered little, Canada, the fourth Placid Angles album, feels different. —Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026 Note that brown sugar will alter the color of the pudding. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026 This happens because declining estrogen levels alter the composition of the gut microbiome, affecting gut bacteria involved in digestion. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026 Westerners still tend to alter their behaviors on Friday the 13th, despite no evidence that the date has negative effects. —Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter
  1. modify
  2. fix
  3. change
  4. remodel
Verb
  • Widespread uncertainty is impacting travelers to Cuba following ongoing fuel shortages there, forcing both domestic and international airlines to cancel or modify flight plans.
    — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Owners can take their car to the dealership to get the rear door switch circuits modified for free, NHTSA stated.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of modify
Verb
  • Turning to domestic chipmakers for less advanced semiconductors also doesn’t fix the problem for these AI model developers.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Crews spent about two years repairing it — replacing brick in the Cenotaph’s interior frame, fixing a drainage system, putting marble exterior stones that had shifted back in place and cleaning stones and carvings.
    — Madison Iszler, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of fix
Verb
  • The team analyzed 44 elements and found no single universal reaction to space; instead, microbial metabolism changed in distinct, element-specific ways.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
  • At the same time, the context around these measures has changed.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of change
Verb
  • The kitchen was remodeled with quartz counters and modern white cabinetry.
    — Lynn Slaney Silguero, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • In far East Contra Costa County, McCauley has established or remodeled about 28 restaurants, such as Humphrey’s at the Antioch marina, which has been renamed Smith’s Landing and Guadalajara Taqueria, among others.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of remodel

Phrases Containing alter

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altars
alter
alterable
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Cite this Entry

“Alter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alter. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alter

Nglish: Translation of alter for Spanish Speakers

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