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 of alteration

• change
• difference
• modification

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

Archaeological evidence clearly shows that since large permanent settlements began to appear nearly ten millennia ago, most buildings simply outlived any one particular purpose, gradually accumulating alterations and new uses over time. — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Floodplain alterations cannot have adverse upstream or downstream effects, and earthen flood barriers, or any other interruption to the natural flow of flood water, is prohibited. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026

While Voicemod’s technology allows for the alteration of voices, the Disney activation will let users use and share only pre-existing sounds. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026

Ratios of trace elements that resist alteration, like the zirconium to titanium ratio, differ from those in every other Martian meteorite. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for alteration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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