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

The team is also confirming any alterations that may have been made to the painting over the last 250 years. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

But California carries such power and influence that a bad result in Meta's home state could lead to much steeper penalties, including a broader overhaul that forces fundamental alterations to key algorithms. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Investigators had not identified any suspects in the theft or VIN alteration and had not determined when the VIN was altered, CHP said. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026

But calendar alterations are just one of the many challenges players are facing. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 17 Aug. 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