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
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
Research suggests this disruption may stem from alterations in normal neurodevelopmental processes that happen as adolescents mature — especially since the higher end of the typical age range of onset is when the brain completes maturation, D’Souza said.
—
Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
While alteration costs can vary depending on what your dress needs, some places require a flat fee.
—Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2025
Though every first family changes up White House decor to an extent, the Trumps' dramatic alterations to the People's House have sparked backlash, as the building's tradition and history is expected to be heavily reflected throughout the design.
—Linda Marx, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
In the midst of their preparation for the 2025 season, the Washington Commanders made some roster alterations in the trade market.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alteration
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.
Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
While alteration costs can vary depending on what your dress needs, some places require a flat fee.
—Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2025
Though every first family changes up White House decor to an extent, the Trumps' dramatic alterations to the People's House have sparked backlash, as the building's tradition and history is expected to be heavily reflected throughout the design.
—Linda Marx, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
In the midst of their preparation for the 2025 season, the Washington Commanders made some roster alterations in the trade market.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alteration
Cite this Entry
“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share