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
No alteration is allowed – not even a car wash – before the defense gets a look.
—
Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
The designer only accepted about 20 orders at that time and allowed for minor alterations to each piece.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
But schools have some leeway in physical alterations if their buildings were constructed before certain standards were in effect.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2025
As debate continues internationally, the cathedral leadership has reiterated that the installation is entirely temporary, intends no lasting alteration or harm, and seeks to foster inclusive dialogue.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alteration
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
The designer only accepted about 20 orders at that time and allowed for minor alterations to each piece.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
But schools have some leeway in physical alterations if their buildings were constructed before certain standards were in effect.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2025
As debate continues internationally, the cathedral leadership has reiterated that the installation is entirely temporary, intends no lasting alteration or harm, and seeks to foster inclusive dialogue.
—Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
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 Oct. 2025.
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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