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alter ego

noun

ˌȯl-tər-ˈē-(ˌ)gō How to pronounce alter ego (audio)
Definition of alter egonext
1
as in friend
a person who has a strong liking for and trust in another over the years the state's other senator became his alter ego as well as his political ally

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in image
something or someone that strongly resembles another the hero of the novel is clearly the author's alter ego, right down to his receding hairline and middle-aged paunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 alter ego Taking over the role of nerdy wallflower Fern, as well as her popular alter ego Vylette, is Chicago non-binary actor AJ Paramo. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 Sesay characterized the persona as an alter ego — a provocative internet character that Andrew uses to attract attention, entertain an audience and make money. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 For more than 10 years the Stamptown troupe led by Tucker, the alter ego of comedian Zach Zucker, has created an insane asylum on stage — from Elysian Theater in Echo Park to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Stevens with play police officer Alex Murphy and his cyborg alter ego in the series. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alter ego
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter ego
  1. friend
  2. image
  3. buddy
  4. twin
  5. picture
  6. replica
  7. clone
  8. duplicate
Noun
  • Keeping up with Rådström, a former rower for the Swedish national team, was a challenge, Berg says, but the two became fast friends.
    — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026
  • If a friend from out of town visits and is looking for true, New York-style pizza, Williamsburg Pizza is at the top of my list of recommendations.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of friend
Noun
  • Some are painted with a stuttering distortion, like a computer image that’s failed to fully download.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • In particular, the image of the sickly, slumbering child recurs throughout Marcon’s work.
    — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of image
Noun
  • Aura’s new slate — which included Trap House, the paramedic buddy comedy Code 3 with Rainn Wilson and Lil Rel Howery, the comedy K-Pops!
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • And longtime buddy Travis Kelce, who gave new wife Taylor Swift something to cheer about with a 59-yard catch that helped to set up a field goal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of buddy
Noun
  • With Oklo, the team is building machine-learning systems and digital twins for electrorefining.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The Pigeon Sisters — Desi Amato as Gwendolyn and Penny Amara as Cecily — are played as distinct individuals rather than as near-twins as often happens.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of twin
Noun
  • But then this little picture called The Odyssey came calling for Annie.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Like all the other participants in the beginning class, Bugumba also has an artistic bent, bringing a tumbler artistically decorated with cat logos and a phone case covered with feline pictures.
    — Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of picture
Noun
  • The museum learned about the model after a video shared by Macken’s daughter featuring the replica went viral, prompting staff to reach out.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers will also create a 3-D scan of the tooth, which will be used to produce a replica.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of replica
Noun
  • Criminals in 2026 can craft convincing emails and clone familiar voices with alarming accuracy.
    — Emily Elconin for CNN, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Some females, however, reproduce asexually by making clones of themselves.
    — Carrie Arnold Contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of clone
Noun
  • The list of candidates for the top prize duplicates last year’s roster of EOTY nominees, with the exception of Langley taking the spot that went to Morgan Wallen in 2024.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Objectors also allege some petition sheets were copies, duplicates or did not apply to the specified referendum.
    — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of duplicate

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altered
alter ego
alter egos
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Cite this Entry

“Alter ego.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alter%20ego. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alter ego

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alter ego

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