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as in to fix
to remove the sex organs of contends that cats and dogs that have been altered make better pets

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word alter different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of alter are change, modify, and vary. While all these words mean "to make or become different," alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use change instead of alter?

In some situations, the words change and alter are roughly equivalent. However, change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.

changed the shirt for a larger size

In what contexts can modify take the place of alter?

The synonyms modify and alter are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

When might vary be a better fit than alter?

Although the words vary and alter have much in common, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alter But if the results are even close to what’s been achieved in the lab and swine work, the device could alter the treatment path for an all-too-common, all-too-serious medical issue. Ani Freedman, Fortune, 27 June 2025 These terms are legally binding and cannot be altered to fund unrelated projects, including research. Ata Sarajedini, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025 Nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina forever altered the landscape and legacy—of New Orleans, National Geographic is revisiting the tragedy through a bold new lens. Okla Jones, Essence, 26 June 2025 This week, Senator Cruz altered the provision slightly, changing it from an outright ban to a stipulation that punishes states which pass AI legislation by withholding broadband expansion funding. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter
Verb
  • If a married filing joint taxpayers modified AGI exceeds $600,000, the SALT cap would be $10,000.
    Lynn Mucenski Keck, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Most humanoid robots are expensive, hard to modify, and difficult to repair.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The company also launched a new secure network architecture called Cisco Live Protect, which is meant to shield your network from an exploit within minutes to give your IT security team time to fix the underlying issue.
    Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Around each level, certain jobs must be completed, like fixing machines dedicated to powering fans or workstations, which can be done more quickly by Fix and Jump classes.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Stay alert for competitive domain markets that change regularly.
    Michael Gargiulo, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Johnny Depp is reflecting on the relationship that changed the course of his life - both professionally and personally.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The agency has also purchased hundreds of E-Transit delivery vans from Ford and spent more than half a billion dollars remodeling its outdated mail and package sorting facilities to accommodate electric and low-emissions vehicles.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
  • Daniels compares the process to remodeling a house.
    Maribel Lopez, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alter. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on alter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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