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
While proper care and a regular cleaning schedule can help extend a mattress’s lifespan, there are some common everyday habits that can, alternatively, shorten it.
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Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
1 July 2026
Some also — or alternatively — include a steak knife set.
—
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
The other three acres are rented out to a local farmer for soybeans and field corn alternatively.
—
Joe Kinsey Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Hull the strawberries by inserting a paring knife into the stem end and twisting (alternatively, slice off the top to remove the stem).
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Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 June 2026
Ho’s family is from Toisan, alternatively spelled as Taishan or Hoisan.
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Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Prepare to be dazzled by the destination's stunningly clear waters, which are great for boating, swimming, or paddling; alternatively, post up by one of the pristine beaches.
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Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
3 June 2026
Or alternatively, too cold and critical.
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Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
The headlong rush of Na’s bonkers would-be international blockbuster left Cannes alternatively awed, befuddled and thrilled.
—
ABC News,
18 May 2026
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
1 July 2026
Some also — or alternatively — include a steak knife set.
—
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
The other three acres are rented out to a local farmer for soybeans and field corn alternatively.
—
Joe Kinsey Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Hull the strawberries by inserting a paring knife into the stem end and twisting (alternatively, slice off the top to remove the stem).
—
Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 June 2026
Ho’s family is from Toisan, alternatively spelled as Taishan or Hoisan.
—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Prepare to be dazzled by the destination's stunningly clear waters, which are great for boating, swimming, or paddling; alternatively, post up by one of the pristine beaches.
—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
3 June 2026
Or alternatively, too cold and critical.
—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
The headlong rush of Na’s bonkers would-be international blockbuster left Cannes alternatively awed, befuddled and thrilled.
—
ABC News,
18 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatively
alternately
Adverb
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Squeezed into a latex bodysuit and donning cornrows, Madonna alternately wields a whip, is bound to a chair and poses with a Chihuahua — in matching latex.
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Over the course of the evening, things will be alternately tense, flirty, vulnerable and revelatory as surprisingly little food is eaten.
Cite this Entry
“Alternatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatively. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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