alternative 1 of 2

alternative

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adjective

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
Some states have alternative names for Medicaid, such as DenaliCare in Alaska, KanCare in Kansas, and SoonerCare in Oklahoma. Solcyré Burga, Time, 30 June 2025 Newcastle’s owners responded by proposing alternative posts and, according to multiple sources, Mitchell’s positive relationship with the hierarchy remains intact. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Adjective
Given the alternatives—farm to table, app to front door—can the microwavable meal compete? Sheila Yasmin Marikar, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 Graham suggests powdered milk or shelf-stable cartons as an alternative. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative
Noun
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • Miami's Kyle Stowers could be an option, too, but the asking price for Benintendi (who has a .744 OPS for the year) would be much lower.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • In its letter to the city announcing the event’s cancellation acquired by the Sentinel, the Rotary asked the City of Maitland to consider allowing the club to use the park for an alternate fundraising activity in the future.
    Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • Authorized by the Nick Drake Estate and released as a four-LP vinyl edition, the set includes over 30 previously unheard demos, alternate takes and studio outtakes, compiled across three discs.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Hardin County Schools district cancels classes for Monday Hardin County Schools are closed Monday due to flood conditions, district officials announced in a Facebook post, adding there will be no nontraditional instruction for students.
    Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
  • In fact, a 2023 U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey found that 95% of executives and HR heads say nontraditional candidates perform just as well, if not better than, degree-holders.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Fox’s lips were painted in a gray-nude glossy shade, a neutral choice to complement her pale, even-toned base.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • This focus aligns with their desire to generate positive societal and environmental impacts through their investment choices.
    Hemanth Golla, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Once in the main lounge, La Première customers can now book optional suites with a butler, a spacious living room, a bedroom with a double bed, a bathroom, and even an outdoor patio.
    Michele Robson, Fortune, 5 July 2025
  • Inside, a breathable mesh pocket adds room for silverware, snacks, or an optional ice pack, and the gingham print makes lunch feel like a picnic.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • The early detection of viral RNA in wild bird droppings, sometimes preceding official poultry outbreaks, suggests that unconventional surveillance in these biologically rich but infrastructurally sparse areas could play a larger role in pandemic risk mitigation.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Now, in the weeks after its unconventional 22nd anniversary celebration, the label is set to launch one of its biggest — and most personal — compilations yet.
    Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Rising prices are making consumers more cost-conscious, further dampening the growth of discretionary spending within the industry.
    Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Economic uncertainty and consumers crimped by inflation could continue to pressure discretionary spending, including alcohol sales.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • This ambitious project is powered by an army of 432 small robots that are moving the massive structure about 33 feet each day to make way for a new underground development.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
  • Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his cabinet directed the British war effort during World War II from this secret underground complex.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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