alternative 1 of 2

noun

Definition of alternativenext
as in option
the power, right, or opportunity to choose there's no alternative: we must cross the stream to reach our destination

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alternative

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in alternate

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
2
as in nontraditional

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun alternative contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alternative are choice, election, option, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When can choice be used instead of alternative?

The words choice and alternative are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

In what contexts can election take the place of alternative?

The synonyms election and alternative are sometimes interchangeable, but election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When is option a more appropriate choice than alternative?

The meanings of option and alternative largely overlap; however, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When would preference be a good substitute for alternative?

While in some cases nearly identical to alternative, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

Where would selection be a reasonable alternative to alternative?

The words selection and alternative can be used in similar contexts, but selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

How does the noun alternative contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alternative are choice, election, option, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When can choice be used instead of alternative?

The words choice and alternative are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

In what contexts can election take the place of alternative?

The synonyms election and alternative are sometimes interchangeable, but election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When is option a more appropriate choice than alternative?

The meanings of option and alternative largely overlap; however, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When would preference be a good substitute for alternative?

While in some cases nearly identical to alternative, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

Where would selection be a reasonable alternative to alternative?

The words selection and alternative can be used in similar contexts, but selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

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 alternative
Noun
In a soft butter yellow, this tank offers a fresh alternative to classic white—equally versatile, but with a subtle, statement-making twist. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026 In addition to the vibrant neon suit, Jenner also showcased a simpler, minimalist alternative for swimming. —Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
And there isn’t an obvious alternative batting order. —Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026 The two have allegedly made alternative plans for the holiday amid those personal reasons. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative
  1. option
  2. alternate
  3. nontraditional
  4. choice
  5. optional
  6. unconventional
  7. discretionary
  8. underground
Noun
  • The spa also offers an array of signature treatments worth exploring—from wellness rituals (like the Signature Bamford Treatment, which includes a footbath, massage, and assisted yogic breathing) to body rituals (mud baths, sauna wraps) and facials (including a luxurious 24K gold option).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Food pantries rarely offer mobile options, and SNAP cannot be used for home deliveries.
    — Beth Shapiro, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of option
Adjective
  • Motorists had to find an alternate route to Route 51 on Monday.
    — Ross Guidotti, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • With generative AI tools, pro‑regime propagandists can manufacture alternate realities at scale, and a flood of AI‑made videos on social media depicts an Iran that is handily winning the war.
    — Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of alternate
Adjective
  • During the last five years, coaches who’ve remained in their college-level women's basketball jobs have seen their salaries rise by 45%—likely influenced by Staley's decision to fight for higher pay via nontraditional negotiating methods.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • As trauma treatment evolves, more people are exploring emerging, nontraditional and deeply personal paths toward recovery.
    — Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of nontraditional
Noun
  • Make choices that satisfy your soul.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The choice of Walsh over Baylor Scheierman — who started for Brown on Friday and has been above Walsh on the depth chart for the last two-plus months — was notable, as the former had not started a game since New Year’s Day.
    — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of choice
Adjective
  • Geico Auto Insurance Learn More Policy highlights Geico offers 16 discounts and a variety of optional add-ons, such as emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Before Saturday’s game, Rice worked on his scoops with Brett Weber, the Yankees’ senior director of advance scouting and a coaching assistant, during an optional batting practice period.
    — Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of optional
Adjective
  • The situation was finally resolved when a wildlife response team used an unconventional method, crawling under the house and firing paintballs filled with vegetable oil to drive the bear out.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
  • This unconventional but sweet design was the perfect reference to Margaret’s free spirit.
    — Jessica Gibbs, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of unconventional
Adjective
  • Not all driving is discretionary–some is needed for work.
    — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Perhaps the biggest worry among China’s manufacturers is what costlier oil will mean for discretionary spending by consumers worldwide.
    — Eunice Yoon, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of discretionary
Adjective
  • Some researchers believe ancient peoples sought relief from heat in the caves, which were fed by fresh underground water.
    — Ryan Brennan April 4, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The New York Times, citing US intelligence reports, said Iranian personnel have been digging out underground missile bunkers and silos struck by American and Israeli bombs and returning them to operation hours after attacks.
    — Arsalan Shahla, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of underground

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alternative

Nglish: Translation of alternative for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alternative

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