1
2
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 Increased local flooding, especially during normal rain events, as land sinks and alters drainage patterns. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 May 2025 Then there were the sellers, who altered VINs, forged paperwork and resold the vehicles. Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025 House Republicans are advancing a sweeping proposal to alter the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aiming to shift costs to states, expand work requirements, and curb future benefit increases. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025 Martin's 7-year-old son Gabe, who sought cover under his bed in terror during the incident, says the experience dramatically altered his life. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter
Verb
  • After that, Newsom has 120 days to either to approve the pardon, modify it or deny it.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 14 May 2025
  • There’s no need to disrupt walls or modify the entire HVAC system.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The Adoptee Citizenship Act, which is intended to fix this oversight, has been introduced twice in Congress to no effect.
    Time, Time, 15 May 2025
  • Protein is needed for the muscles to fix the damage and grow larger.
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The area began changing drastically in the 1990s after Leo had moved away and when steel mills and other factories where village residents worked closed.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • What really changed for Bobrovsky was the Panthers went from a run-and-gun offensive team to an in-your-face defensive team under coach Paul Maurice.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Between deciding how to split bills, who takes out the trash, and when to remodel the kitchen, deciding how to decorate your new place can feel like an afterthought.
    Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
  • List of Walmart locations to undergo remodeling in five US states Walmart shared a list of stores that will be remodeled across five U.S. states: North Carolina, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alter. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on alter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!