Definition of alternative
1 : offering or expressing a choice several alternative plans
2 : different from the usual or conventional: such asa : existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system an alternative newspaper alternative lifestylesb : of, relating to, or being rock music that is regarded as an alternative to conventional rock and is typically influenced by punk rock, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk music an alternative band; also : of, relating to, or being music of a genre other than rock that is similarly regarded as an alternative to the conventional music of that genre alternative countryc : of or relating to alternative medicine alternative therapies
3 : occurring or succeeding by turns : alternate 1
alternatively
adverbalternativeness
nounPeople Are Reading
Examples of alternative in a Sentence
Scientists are developing an alternative approach to treating the disease.
He developed an alternative design for the new engine.
Recent Examples of alternative from the Web
-
The adult album alternative format is an option, Ziesmann said.
-
That’s what the whole fossil-fuel industry should be working on — alternative energies.
-
The president’s dissembling has helped him win a series of propaganda victories, preying on voters’ disillusionment to create an alternative fact reality.
-
Alternative assets accounted for 0.07 percent of GPIF’s holdings, well below the allowable limit of 5 percent.
-
Some tools probe the AI without penetrating it; some are alternative algorithms that can compete with neural nets, but with more transparency; and some use still more deep learning to get inside the black box.
-
The school system joins the ranks of about five other school corporations statewide to implement an alternative energy plan.
-
But the Daily Beast suggests an alternative answer.
-
Following the first two notices, customers who do not believe they have access to an alternative voice service can raise that concern with the ICC, which will conduct an investigation of available alternatives for those customers.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alternative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of alternative
see 1alternate
alternative
Definition of alternative
1a : a proposition or situation offering a choice between two or more things only one of which may be chosen a government facing the alternative of high taxes or poor highwaysb : an opportunity for deciding between two or more courses or propositions the alternative of going by train or by plane
2a : one of two or more things, courses, or propositions to be chosen The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives.b : something which can be chosen instead The only alternative to intervention.
3 : alternative rock music a fan of alternative
Examples of alternative in a Sentence
We decided to leave since our only other alternative was to wait in the rain.
I was offered no alternative.
The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives.
Recent Examples of alternative from the Web
-
The cool breeze is a wonderful alternative to those hot summer months and the crunch of leaves beneath the bride and groom's feet provide an irreplaceable soundtrack to the soirée.
-
The Department of Environmental Quality threatened legal action if the council did not approve Mayor Karen Weaver’s recommendation to achieve a reasonable alternative by June 26, 2017.
-
If no longer available, camelia branches are an alternative available year round.
-
That’s why denizens of Silicon Beach have been flocking to a local clinic that offers a radical alternative when standard treatments fall short.
-
To my great surprise, the only self-regulation strategy that was associated with both grandiosity and vulnerability was the ability to evaluate multiple goal options and actually make the right or best choice among the alternatives!
-
Celebrity candidates often paint themselves as the refreshing, uncorrupted alternative to self-serving political elites.
-
Convincing people to use decentralized alternatives to Facebook and Twitter has proven to be a notoriously difficult problem.
-
Another alternative, while not strictly AI, is using an Xbox One or PlayStation 4 to voice-control the heck out of your television.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alternative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of alternative
see 1alternate
Synonym Discussion of alternative
ALTERNATIVE Defined for English Language Learners
alternative
playDefinition of alternative for English Language Learners
-
: offering or expressing a choice
-
: not usual or traditional
-
: existing or functioning outside of the established society
alternative
Definition of alternative for English Language Learners
-
: something that can be chosen instead of something else : a choice or option
ALTERNATIVE Defined for Kids
Definition of alternative for Students
: offering or expressing a choice alternative plans
alternatively
adverb I'll drive or, alternatively, we could walk.Definition of alternative for Students
1 : a chance to choose between two things We had to move. There was no alternative.
2 : one of the things between which a choice is to be made As it got dark, our best alternative was to find shelter.
Medical Dictionary
alternative
playMedical Definition of alternative
: of, relating to, or based on alternative medicine alternative therapies
Law Dictionary
Legal Definition of alternative
1 : alternate 1
2 : offering or expressing a choice an alternative contract — see also alternative pleading at pleading 1b
3 : existing or functioning outside the established system; also : different from the usual or conventional alternative sentencing
alternative
Legal Definition of alternative
1 : a proposition or situation offering a choice between two or more things only one of which may be chosen
2a : one of two or more things, courses, or propositions to be chosen b : something which can be chosen instead
in the alternative
1 : for or as an alternative asked for specific performance, or in the alternative, damages of $20,000 a new trial may be asked for in the alternative
2 : in such a way that offers a choice the relief sought…may include relief in the alternative — Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 8(a) plead in the alternative
Learn More about alternative
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for alternative Spanish Central: Translation of alternative Nglish: Translation of alternative for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of alternative for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alternative
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up alternative? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!