as in to mix
to place or do (different things) so that one follows the other in a repeated series
To make the appetizer, you should alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese. The poem alternates fear and hope.
Related Words
Relevance
1
as in alternative
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in backup
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in seasonal
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in substitute
Related Words
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 alternate
Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 28 July 2025
Now, conservation groups are working with locals to explore alternate sources of income.
—Amber X. Chen, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2025
Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 11 June 2025
One of the main jurors was dismissed just before deliberations began June 5, due to illness, and was replaced by an alternate.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Ben Morse, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
The survey also found that over half of working women prefer a blender work style, which alternates fluidly between work and personal life, over a splitter work style, which makes a clear distinction between the two.
—Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternate
Verb
With the opportunity to experience alternate realities through new, groundbreaking therapy, Demascus has the unique ability to see if the grass is really greener — for better, or for worse.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 28 July 2025
Now, conservation groups are working with locals to explore alternate sources of income.
—Amber X. Chen, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 July 2025
Adjective
Defense lawyer Arthur Aidala made a motion for a retrial after New York Supreme Court Justice Curtis Farber replaced a juror who'd called in sick with an alternate.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 11 June 2025
One of the main jurors was dismissed just before deliberations began June 5, due to illness, and was replaced by an alternate.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Noun
In 2012, he was named a Pro Bowl special teams alternate.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
The survey also found that over half of working women prefer a blender work style, which alternates fluidly between work and personal life, over a splitter work style, which makes a clear distinction between the two.
—Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternate
Verb
-
But through the sheer power of mixing genes into new combinations, the risky gamble of interspecies pairings has also sometimes majorly paid off.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
31 July 2025
-
Cooked broccoli sprouts can be steamed, sautéed, or mixed into a stir-fry.—
Christopher Bergland,
Verywell Health,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
The University of Texas System Board of Regents on Monday named interim President Jim Davis as the sole finalist in the presidential search for UT Austin, using an alternative process in lieu of a presidential search committee.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
However, there's an alternative hypothesis: The star may have been stripped apart a piece at a time, forming a stream of material around the black hole.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Connaught Grill Beloved as one of London’s most historic dining venues, The Connaught Grill debuted a summer menu that emphasizes seasonal British coastal produce.—
Rachel Dube,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
-
Among the beverage choices, customers can choose from a menu showcasing seasonal flavors, classic coffees, protein coffees, smoothies, matchas, shakes, energy drinks, snacks and more.—
Jason Dill,
Miami Herald,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Vought left the meeting saying there would be a substitute amendment that would eliminate $400 million in cuts to an AIDS prevention program, one of the main concerns of Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.—
July 16,
CBS News,
16 July 2025
-
The collard greens were a substitute food for that day and not posted on the day’s menu, according to health department documents.—
Julia Ainsley,
NBC news,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
The heat index combines air temperature and relative humidity to measure what the heat feels like to the human body.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
28 July 2025
-
When deaths from heat and cold are combined, Europe has close to 50 times as many deaths as the U.S. — as many as 250,000 to 500,000 more deaths every year.—
Cory Franklin,
Chicago Tribune,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
Once, members of the House without a peep of protest even exalted the infamous serial killer known as the Boston Strangler.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
The first season focused on Jeffrey Dahmer, with Evan Peters winning Emmy gold for his portrayal of the titular serial killer responsible for the death of at least 17 boys and young men between 1978 and 1991.—
Carson Blackwelder,
People.com,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
An apparent late replacement for rapper Travis Scott, country music artist Jelly Roll is clearly working very hard to ensure his pairing with Randy Orton and feud with Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul goes as well as possible.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
-
In a July 30 note, Bill Adams, chief economist for Comerica Bank, noted that Trump may use Kugler's opening to appoint his pick for Fed Chair Jerome Powell's replacement.—
Bailey Schulz,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The new school will incorporate part of the existing school into its design.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
26 July 2025
-
For companies exploring how to incorporate AI into their ESG strategies, some lessons can be learned from IKEA’s approach.—
Oludolapo Makinde,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternate. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share