Synonyms of alter

alter

verb

ˈȯl-tər 

1

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

• modify
• change
• remodel
• transform
• rework
• revise
• recast
• remake
• refashion
• vary
• redo
• revamp
• deform
• make over
• mutate
• metamorphose
• revolutionize
• transmute
• transfigure
• exchange
• convert
• regenerate
• retool
• commute
• rejigger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• set
• fix
• stabilize
• freeze

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

• fix
• neuter
• sterilize
• emasculate
• desex
• castrate
• geld
• spay

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

Recent Examples of alter

The footage shows Daisy approaching a step, altering her stride with a few larger steps before confidently navigating the change in height. —Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

The antibiotics he was prescribed after the fight could have also altered his mind. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 9 July 2025

According to residents, there were several breaches of this, and after several incidents in which the police were called, the timetable was altered so that work had to stop by 10pm. —Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 July 2025

Furthermore, the team found that microgravity changed the protein content of muscle samples, decreasing levels in the younger group, and that microgravity altered gene expression in terms of how body strength is related to inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular stress. —Jessica Rendall, Space.com, 7 July 2025

Phrases Containing alter

• alter ego