alternative 1 of 2

noun

Definition of alternativenext
as in option
the power, right, or opportunity to choose there's no alternative: we must cross the stream to reach our destination

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alternative

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in alternate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nontraditional

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun alternative contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alternative are choice, election, option, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When can choice be used instead of alternative?

The words choice and alternative are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

In what contexts can election take the place of alternative?

The synonyms election and alternative are sometimes interchangeable, but election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When is option a more appropriate choice than alternative?

The meanings of option and alternative largely overlap; however, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When would preference be a good substitute for alternative?

While in some cases nearly identical to alternative, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

Where would selection be a reasonable alternative to alternative?

The words selection and alternative can be used in similar contexts, but selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

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 alternative
Noun
Drug shortages increase the cost of visiting and operating a hospital, with providers being forced to purchase expensive alternatives to critical medication. —William Jones, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025 Asking for alternatives to these popular models might prove effective at conserving money in the long run. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
In the print world, alternative animal prints are booming. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025 Last November, the Will County Board voted to explore an alternative use plan. —Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative
  1. option
  2. alternate
  3. nontraditional
  4. choice
  5. optional
  6. unconventional
  7. discretionary
  8. underground
Noun
  • And then the studio started coming up with other options.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Trusted resale sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats usually have plenty of options (and with surprisingly affordable prices).
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of option
Adjective
  • The film will mark the Marvel Cinematic Universe debut for all of the mutant actors besides Stewart, who briefly appeared in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as an alternate universe version of Xavier.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • After opening statements, the jury of 16, including four alternate jurors, heard from three witnesses: two police officers and a firefighter.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of alternate
Adjective
  • However, these discussions too often focus on a standard paradigm of traditional vs. nontraditional contractors.
    — Toni Townes-Whitley, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • At a forum last month, Albert had spoken about policy positions like increasing transparency with parents about school programs, addressing the achievement gap in the district and supporting alternative licensing programs for teachers from nontraditional educational backgrounds.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of nontraditional
Noun
  • The committee is now in the final stage of the selection process for the new child advocate and will send three finalists’ names to the governor, who will make the final choice.
    — Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The visit to Leicester City on February 15 was the first game without any of their four first-choice forwards — in addition to Saka and Havertz being out, Gabriel Jesus suffered an ACL injury in January and Martinelli a hamstring injury in February.
    — Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of choice
Adjective
  • Tornado Cash is comprised of immutable smart contracts and an optional user interface with enhanced privacy features, which the DOJ claims the developers controlled.
    — Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Garnish with parsley and cracked black pepper, optional.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of optional
Adjective
  • The mill embraces the beauty of imperfection and asymmetry in Chaos Aesthetics, a trend concept that favors expressive textures, unconventional finishes and rich tactile experiences.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The generational gap in honesty found in the survey comes amid a broader trend of unconventional job-search behaviors among younger candidates, including ghosting employers and abandoning the hiring process midway.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of unconventional
Adjective
  • Cancel unnecessary subscriptions, pause discretionary purchases, and negotiate lower rates on bills like internet or phone.
    — Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Concerns about a slowing economy and a decline in discretionary spending have pressured global markets in recent days, and pushed some consumers to stock up on products affected by the levies.
    — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of discretionary
Adjective
  • The new north end zone stand won’t be finished for the 2025 football season, but the entire structure, including almost all the concrete work and any underground work, is expected to be completed by the start of the new season.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This week, Lawrence Burney steps in to talk about how a part of Baltimore lingo is entering the wider underground rap lexicon through artists from the Mid-Atlantic.
    — Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of underground

Browse Nearby Words

alternating
alternative
alternatively
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Cite this Entry

“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alternative

Nglish: Translation of alternative for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alternative

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