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
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
Wilson’s boot also ended up having a last-minute alteration.
—
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Top Petite-Friendly Styles at Quince Petite shoppers know the struggle of finding clothes that actually fit properly and don't require alterations.
—Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
The roster changed, too, with most of the alterations on the defensive side to try to improve the pass rush and overhaul the linebacking corps, and with first-round draft pick Sonny Styles now serving as the group’s new quarterback.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Smith said her daughter has been coming to the location every month since January to get alterations on her prom dress.
—Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for alteration
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Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Top Petite-Friendly Styles at Quince Petite shoppers know the struggle of finding clothes that actually fit properly and don't require alterations.
—Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
The roster changed, too, with most of the alterations on the defensive side to try to improve the pass rush and overhaul the linebacking corps, and with first-round draft pick Sonny Styles now serving as the group’s new quarterback.
—Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Smith said her daughter has been coming to the location every month since January to get alterations on her prom dress.
—Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for alteration
Cite this Entry
“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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