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
It is alternatively referred to as social constructivism or social constructionism.
—
Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 May 2026
There's also a seating space for one that could alternatively make room for a washer/dryer.
—Adam Williams
may 03, New Atlas, 3 May 2026
The president, alternatively, has faced falling approval ratings, with approval ratings for his handling of the economy falling to a new career low of 31% earlier this month, according to a CNN poll.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Vegetarian pies and white or whole-wheat crust are alternatively offered.
—Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026
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
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
Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 May 2026
There's also a seating space for one that could alternatively make room for a washer/dryer.
—Adam Williams
may 03, New Atlas, 3 May 2026
The president, alternatively, has faced falling approval ratings, with approval ratings for his handling of the economy falling to a new career low of 31% earlier this month, according to a CNN poll.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Vegetarian pies and white or whole-wheat crust are alternatively offered.
—Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatively
alternately
Adverb
-
As the lens follows Dua, often up close and from behind, this mode of expression proves alternately absorbing and alienating.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
13 May 2026
-
Like those albums, LP4 operates with its own sense of logic and time, sounding alternately playful and deadly serious, proudly complex and refreshingly pared back.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatively. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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