as in alternately
in place of another option
We could go out for dinner or, alternatively, we could get takeout.
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Recent Examples of alternatively
Paul has alternatively claimed that Mortensen got physical with her in recent weeks.
—
Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
When a medic advised him that the cut would need stitches, Green suggested piercing the bandage up with a stud — or, alternatively, throwing some Elmer’s glue on it.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Both parts of the loft are connected with a small gangway and can be configured as two bedrooms, or alternatively as a storage space and bedroom, for example.
—Adam Williams
march 10, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2026
Some common behaviors to look out for include sleep changes, like getting very little sleep, or alternatively sleeping or hibernating more than usual, says Guilbault.
—Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
Councilmembers Cesar Zepeda and Jamelia Brown alternatively said the issue could not wait, both pointing to the case of the trafficked girl.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
Manic episodes are described as prolonged periods of mood instability, in which a person can experience extreme increases in energy or euphoria, or alternatively, feel depressed or unusually irritable.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
However, Maya turns the tables and alternatively kills Dollface.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
Companies of this nature can leverage their cash to drive further revenue growth or, alternatively, return funds to their shareholders via dividends or share buybacks.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
When a medic advised him that the cut would need stitches, Green suggested piercing the bandage up with a stud — or, alternatively, throwing some Elmer’s glue on it.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Both parts of the loft are connected with a small gangway and can be configured as two bedrooms, or alternatively as a storage space and bedroom, for example.
—Adam Williams
march 10, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2026
Some common behaviors to look out for include sleep changes, like getting very little sleep, or alternatively sleeping or hibernating more than usual, says Guilbault.
—Staff Author, Parents, 9 Mar. 2026
Councilmembers Cesar Zepeda and Jamelia Brown alternatively said the issue could not wait, both pointing to the case of the trafficked girl.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
Manic episodes are described as prolonged periods of mood instability, in which a person can experience extreme increases in energy or euphoria, or alternatively, feel depressed or unusually irritable.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
However, Maya turns the tables and alternatively kills Dollface.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
Companies of this nature can leverage their cash to drive further revenue growth or, alternatively, return funds to their shareholders via dividends or share buybacks.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatively
alternately
Adverb
-
The day is alternately known as Black Friday, Holy Friday, Great Friday and Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
By alternately waiting out and pouncing on Pivetta, the Tigers scored more runs in the first inning than any opponent has ever scored in the 58 season-opening innings the Padres have been a major league club.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatively. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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