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

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
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson added that without significant rain to end drought conditions found in 90% of the state, alternatives to fireworks could be in order for the Fourth of July. —Jim Turner, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026 Under the alternative, a council-manager structure, the City Council and mayor hire a professional administrator to run city operations. —Daniel Borenstein, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
Adjective
Reed burst onto the movie-criticism scene in the 1960s, and was part of a wave of new reviewers, Pauline Kael among them, who offered a sharper, jazzier alternative to the more staid forms of analysis that had been showcased by major outlets. —Brent Lang, Variety, 12 May 2026 But the Cocteau Twins continue to influence multiple generations of alternative artists, in addition to earning the admiration of superstars like Madonna and Prince. —Al Shipley, SPIN, 12 May 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
  • Accessibility for those with mobility issues There is disabled access, and accessible room options within the Manor House, Walled Garden and Woodland Cottages.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • But with writing feeling like less of a career option than ever, continuing to run the supply yard seemed to be my only choice.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Definition of option
Adjective
  • One director suggested the board consider an alternate course for future events.
    — Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • What’s an alternate title for your show?
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 May 2026
Definition of alternate
Adjective
  • Spanning 23 galleries across the museum’s three floors, this exhibition highlights how 30 contemporary artists use nontraditional materials and processes.
    — Washington Post staff, Washington Post, 15 May 2026
  • What’s more exciting to me is seeing a whole new subculture develop — all-cash shows at nontraditional venues, and releasing your own music offline.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Definition of nontraditional
Noun
  • At the 2023 Genesis Invitational, Rai ditched his own practice regimen to watch his idol, Tiger Woods, play in the pro-am, not caring what others would think about the choice.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • The broader macro environment is also affecting consumer choices.
    — , CNBC, 18 May 2026
Definition of choice
Adjective
  • Credit insurance is typically optional, with the exception of private mortgage insurance (PMI) on a home loan.
    — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • The study’s scope includes an optional component — triggered only if the initial assessment warrants it — that would produce a conceptual design and site plan for a potential eastern substation, including cost estimates.
    — Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
Definition of optional
Adjective
  • Yet, intriguingly, there’s also been scattered rumors about how his unconventional campaign can be turned into TV content that harkens back to his MTV days.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
  • That’s an act of service in an animation landscape where most American studios fear crafting anything remotely unconventional or unequivocally adult-oriented.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 15 May 2026
Definition of unconventional
Adjective
  • The report found lower- and middle-income consumers were increasingly pulling back on discretionary spending categories like dining and entertainment, while wealthier households — boosted by strong stock market gains and rising home equity values — continue to spend at a healthy pace.
    — Allie Canal, NBC news, 19 May 2026
  • It’s been struggling with tariffs, consumer pullback from discretionary spending and mounting competition from brands like Vuori and Alo.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
Definition of discretionary
Adjective
  • Archaeologists then debated whether the tunnel was some kind of underground agricultural or industrial installation, but its scale and uniqueness in the region ruled out that possibility.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
  • Having been filtered through porous underground lava for decades, Silfra boasts exceptionally pure drinking water.
    — Carinne Geil Botta, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026
Definition of underground

Browse Nearby Words

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alternative
alternatively
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Cite this Entry

“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 20 May. 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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