ALTER Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

alter

verb

ˈȯl-tər

Definition of alter next

as in to modify

to make different in some way can't you alter your plans just slightly so we can leave 10 minutes earlier?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 With climate change altering rainfall patterns and making droughts both more likely and more intense, destructive wildfires like the ones in the Los Angeles area will continue to threaten people’s lives and livelihoods, Moritz said. —

Janhvi Bhojwani, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025 This week’s events will radically alter the future of the internet in the US, and probably not for the better. —

Makena Kelly, WIRED, 9 Jan. 2025 Other Supplements Other dietary supplements taken at the same time as iron may alter the effectiveness of your iron supplement. —

Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2025 Bank data is critical because it cannot be altered or manipulated, so lenders can accurately assess the SMB’s cash flow and financial health. —

Brock Blake, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter

Verb

The country’s new presidential administration modified its IMMEX trade program so that finished apparel goods could no longer enter Mexico tax-free.

— Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Jan. 2025
Like many great race cars, it was endlessly modified by the factory and was driven in period by the very best, including Sir Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, Wolfgang von Trips, and Fangio himself in an earlier configuration.

— Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025