as in options
the power, right, or opportunity to choose
there's no alternative: we must cross the stream to reach our destination
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Recent Examples of alternatives
Meanwhile, makeup artists think spring breakers will pack their best cushion-y, cloud lips instead of their icy alternatives.
—
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
No dyeing of Easter potatoes this year Last year, egg prices were so high that consumers looked to alternatives, such as dyeing potatoes for Easter instead of eggs.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
The project is designed to pressure-test whether elastane alternatives—and emerging recycling pathways—can meet the performance, scalability and commercial thresholds brands require to move beyond pilots.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
The long-term solution for reducing cement’s emissions, however, is to replace traditional cement completely with alternatives.
—Alcina Johnson Sudagar, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
But a growing share of families are also seeking alternatives to public schools.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
His efforts to support the industry failed, as costs for coal power steadily rose and cleaner alternatives such as natural gas became cheaper.
—Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
There are several types of creeping thyme, and some are used as lawn alternatives to grass.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
The company’s push from coding into other professional domains, such as knowledge work and customer support, is increasing competitive pressure on incumbent software providers, which now risk facing Anthropic’s models as cheaper, more capable alternatives in parts of their workflows.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
No dyeing of Easter potatoes this year Last year, egg prices were so high that consumers looked to alternatives, such as dyeing potatoes for Easter instead of eggs.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
The project is designed to pressure-test whether elastane alternatives—and emerging recycling pathways—can meet the performance, scalability and commercial thresholds brands require to move beyond pilots.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
The long-term solution for reducing cement’s emissions, however, is to replace traditional cement completely with alternatives.
—Alcina Johnson Sudagar, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
But a growing share of families are also seeking alternatives to public schools.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
His efforts to support the industry failed, as costs for coal power steadily rose and cleaner alternatives such as natural gas became cheaper.
—Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
There are several types of creeping thyme, and some are used as lawn alternatives to grass.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
The company’s push from coding into other professional domains, such as knowledge work and customer support, is increasing competitive pressure on incumbent software providers, which now risk facing Anthropic’s models as cheaper, more capable alternatives in parts of their workflows.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
Noun
-
Alarms for doors and windows, smart locks or wearables that detect movement are other options that boost safety and can connect to the caregiver's smartphones.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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Over half were additives typically added to ultraprocessed foods; the rest were more natural options, such as the use of lemon juice as a preservative or beet juice for color.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The success Darnold found led to choices in free agency, every player’s dream.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
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Esteemed Venus is strolling into your 2nd House of Satisfaction, supporting thoughtful choices that align with your independent values and strengthen confidence through stewardship.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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