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

But when renovating an 18th-century apartment on a side street in the Marais, architect Clément Lesnoff-Rocard boldly undid a number of alterations to the home over the years. — Felix Wagner, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2026

This challenge transcends typical software localization, demanding fundamental alterations to AI's core reasoning and output. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

In my view, HHS’s removal and alteration of CDC data damages that trust. — John Kubale, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Dany’s Supermarket submitted a commercial alteration permit for 221 Heathway Drive in northeast Charlotte. — Catherine Muccigrosso july 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 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