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

Talks between senior figures from the engine manufacturers are taking place in Monaco this weekend before the next Power Unit Advisory Committee meeting takes place in a couple of weeks, where possible alterations or new proposals are likely to be evaluated. —Luke Smith, New York Times, 5 June 2026

So, that is a separate alteration, a separate change from that cam housing clearance change, that adjustment. —Joel Feder, The Drive, 3 June 2026

Faint stains, slightly worn elbows, a custom alteration—all these things matter. —Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026

Unlike existing approaches that rely on a small number of biomarkers, MutationProjector analyzes the broader combination of genetic alterations present in a tumor. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 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