alternate 1 of 3

as in to mix
to place or do (different things) so that one follows the other in a repeated series To make the appetizer, you should alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese. The poem alternates fear and hope.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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alternate

2 of 3

adjective

alternate

3 of 3

noun

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 alternate
Verb
One exception, UMass, which stuck with a pattern of alternating all the way to the national championship in 2021. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025 Both alternating narratives are steeped in a poignant form of gallows humor. Alida Becker, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Unsurprisingly, the second-year alternate captain leads the Pioneers in penalty minutes this season with 65. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025 The alphabetical lists alternate between male and female names, and omit names that begin with letters Q, U, X, Y and Z. Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
Betsy had appointed Gene as her personal representative of her estate and Sutin as an alternate. Tommy McArdle, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 Now, those alternates have been revealed for both the welterweight classes. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternate
Verb
  • Simply mix up your behavior and choose to walk or roll while listening to quality discussions with longer formats, soothing voices, that offer stepwise solutions.
    Katy Bowman, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Key News Asia ended a volatile week mixed as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, and India outperformed, and Japan and Singapore were off.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Moldovan streetwear thrives in Chișinău's underground clubs and alternative spaces rather than mainstream boutiques.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • And Woltman and the team started pushing the song to alternative radio, sensing an opportunity to expand its success there.
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The lamp's delicate daisy decoration instantly evokes seasonal warmth and is topped with a linen lampshade.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Trump has announced that parks will hire more seasonal workers than normal this summer, but park users across the country are already reporting intermittent staffing problems, maintenance issues and closed restrooms.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There’s simply no substitute for the positive outcomes that qualities like grit, individual effort, commitment and consistency can predictably bring into your life.
    Vinesh Sukumaran, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Wellness shots should be consumed in moderation and are not a substitute for a well-rounded diet.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, LD, Health, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The rug combines neutral and rich colors and blends with various decor styles.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • An old John Lennon demo was transformed into a complete song by isolating his vocals (and George Harrison’s guitar tone) and combining that with new recordings from the rest of the living band.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Based on the true story of Robinson, who was abducted as a baby and raised by the family of a serial killer who was convicted of murdering her mother.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Notorious serial killer Gary Michael Hilton has confessed for the first time ever to the murder of a Florida nurse.
    KC Baker, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Bench coach Don Kelly, a Pittsburgh-area native, would be the obvious replacement if the team chose to make a move.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The replacement must be a Republican who lives in the district.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The future of design incorporates old items, antiques, mixing them with new pieces and expanding palettes.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2025
  • By utilizing a design approach that incorporates societal and cultural themes, McNeil’s projects are a beautiful medley of soulful modern interiors.
    Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternate. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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