as in to mix
to place or do (different things) so that one follows the other in a repeated series
To make the appetizer, you should alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese. The poem alternates fear and hope.
Related Words
Relevance
1
as in alternative
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in backup
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in seasonal
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in substitute
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alternate
ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
For about 18 months, the Fed has leaned toward cutting rates, and in its meetings has alternated between cuts and no change to rates.
—Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Much of the second season has seen Mohan question her capabilities in the ED and consider alternate paths forward in her medical career.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Apr. 2026
Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
The flagship issue reintroduces Mikey as the titular Last Ronin, the sole surviving member of the original Turtles, now in a brutalist alternate future loosely inspired by Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alternate
Verb
Southern Kerala state presents a different challenge, where power has traditionally alternated between alliances led by the Indian National Congress and communist parties.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
For about 18 months, the Fed has leaned toward cutting rates, and in its meetings has alternated between cuts and no change to rates.
—Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Because the Padres alternate years for their trips to American League cities, Mayer’s return to Petco Park will have to wait another year.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Much of the second season has seen Mohan question her capabilities in the ED and consider alternate paths forward in her medical career.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
But that balance shifted last week, just before Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg took the stand, when one of the box’s oldest members was hospitalized, and a much younger alternate moved up to take his seat.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
The flagship issue reintroduces Mikey as the titular Last Ronin, the sole surviving member of the original Turtles, now in a brutalist alternate future loosely inspired by Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alternate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternate
Verb
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Homeowners should start with bait and traps before moving on to pesticides — preferably ready-to-use ones that don’t require mixing chemicals, the agency said.—
Hali Smith
April 8,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The facade, designed by renown Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump and inspired by Blair, mixes glistening white metals and fiberglass with gold leaf accents that nod to the Eiffel Tower, Tower of Pisa, a Dutch windmill and more.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The organisation aims to design bespoke digital badge qualifications in conjunction with a range of private companies that will offer the 99 per cent of youngsters released from British academies alternative employment pathways.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The statement shared instructions for an alternative entry and exit route through the strait.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Mitchell Robinson, Jordan Clarkson, Landry Shamet and Miles McBride were the backup corps against the Celtics, in a playoff-like environment.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
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The Celtics’ backup center allowed two makes at the rim by his counterpart, Mitchell Robinson, fouled Robinson on a lob and committed a turnover that led to a fast-break layup by Jordan Clarkson.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In fall, introduce seasonal colors with annuals like violas and celosia and perennials like dahlias and dianthus while following this fall-planting guide.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
11 Apr. 2026
-
After picking flowers, be sure to check out some of the farm's other attractions, including a playground, a giant bounce pillow, farm animals, hayrides and a seasonal beer garden.—
Catherine Messier,
The Providence Journal,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Students — too young to know her career — treated her like any other substitute.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
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The charismatic presence of both the leading and supporting actors doesn’t so much fill out the personalities as substitute for them.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Red Hawk Park, located at 2600 SW Old Port Road, is home to a multi-sport court combining tennis, pickleball and a half basketball court.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Jacob Latz finished two perfect innings with strikeouts of Naylor and Randy Arozarena, who combined to go 0 for 8 with seven strikeouts from the 4-5 spots in the Seattle order.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The songs, by Randy Newman, are simple but charming little ditties, particularly the ensemble numbers where this makeshift band of misfits express their devotion to one another.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The dome became a makeshift stage in the middle of the field.—
Niyaz Pirani,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Last week, Massoni's Italian Restaurant in Perry Hall took to Facebook to warn other businesses of Nelson after becoming a victim of the serial dine-and-dasher.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
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The horrific discovery spurred a wider search on Long Island over the following year – nearly a dozen bodies were found in all – and raised fears of a serial killer on the loose.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternate. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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