alteration

noun

al·​ter·​a·​tion ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən 

plural alterations

1

: the act or process of altering something

The dress needs alteration for a proper fit.

: the state of being altered

2

: the result of changing or altering something: such as

a

: a change made in fitting a garment

no charge for alterations

b

: a change in a legal instrument that alters its legal effect

She made some alterations to her will.

c

: a mineral that has been altered by a chemical process : metasomatism

Synonyms

• change
• difference
• modification
• redoing
• refashioning
• remaking
• remodeling
• revamping
• review
• revise
• revision
• reworking
• variation

Examples of alteration in a Sentence

the alteration of the pattern

They did a good job on the dress alteration.

He made alterations in his will.

Recent Examples on the Web

Thus, as more and more research reveals the benefits of sensory deprivation, this new study reveals the potential mechanisms behind those benefits, namely the alteration of our sense of self and time. —Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 30 May 2024

Under the bill, gender-affirming treatment includes hormone therapy, hormone and puberty blockers, hair alteration, voice therapy and lessons, and surgeries, among other health care procedures. —Hannah Gaskill, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2024

Hopefully, this alteration will help smooth out travelers' accommodations search—and minimize the fear of getting emotionally attached to a dreamy beach house rental that unexpectedly surpasses your budget. —Alex Erdekian, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2023

Those alterations didn’t seem to make much of a difference: Sporting KC lost its sixth straight Major League Soccer match, falling 2-1 to the opponent from Canada at Children’s Mercy Park. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alteracioun "change, transformation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French alteracion, borrowed from Medieval Latin alterātiōn-, alterātiō, from Late Latin alterāre "to change, alter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

alteration

noun

al·​ter·​ation ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of altering

b

: the state of being altered

2

: the result of altering : modification