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

Fortunately, that one alteration near the end of the song worked, and Huff flew it into the rest of the single. —Tom Roland, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2024

The alteration is also expected to increase the value of special teams players — the players on any NFL squad who typically haven't yet made the cut for a full-time spot on an offensive or defensive lineup. —Becky Sullivan, NPR, 27 Mar. 2024

Keep an eye out for items that stand out to you, and be flexible, which can mean building up a collection over time or making minor alterations to a piece. —Ronita Choudhuri-Wade Of Nerdwallet, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024

These changes can include loss of appetite, alterations in sleep patterns, disinterest in regular hobbies and activities, and difficulty concentrating or staying focused. —Jazmin Towe, Parents, 23 Feb. 2024

The store which originally opened in 2017 offers over 200 options with perfect-fit alterations. —Essence, 29 Mar. 2024

When the environment affects genes These DNA alterations come in the form of epigenetic changes, or shifts in how genes are expressed in response to environmental conditions. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 28 Mar. 2024

Don't discard older clothing that no longer fits; instead, consider alterations using your current measurements. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024

With ever-so-slight alterations to the script (including the brilliant choice to bring back Rita Moreno, who starred in the original film), the remake was a dazzling ode to the movie-going experience and all things West Side Story. —Vogue, 26 Mar. 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