alternate 1 of 3

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.

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alternate

2 of 3

adjective

alternate

3 of 3

noun

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 alternate
Verb
The two patterns typically alternate back and forth and occur every two to seven years, though there is no regular schedule to them. Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 3 Nov. 2025 Another mistake is planting hostas in heavy, clay soil that alternates between soggy and rock hard. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
But to financially sustain their research, scientists have sought alternate funding sources or changed their grant application strategies entirely. Surina Venkat, The Hill, 8 Nov. 2025 The MossFon Project highlights how, as the global push for corporate transparency continues, buyers and sellers of financial secrecy look for alternate jurisdictions to carry on their activities. Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
That brush-off on top of Chris somehow edging her out of the Olympic team so that Tunde wound up as an alternate was too much not to go nuclear. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025 Sophie Segreti Sophie, a strategy associate in New York City, was determined to make the most of her Survivor experience after being cast as an alternate and not being able to compete on season 48. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternate
Verb
  • Set in the world of Tokyo’s red-light district, Souza’s feature debut won the 119 Marvila Studios Award, the top prize in the Agora’s Works in Progress section, offering sound mixing services in post-production.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Whoever mixed that show somehow got the intro music way up here and dialogue down here.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Gibson chose one of two alternative maps proposed by voting rights groups that had sued over the map, both of which created a Democratic-leaning district centered on Salt Lake County.
    Joseph Ax, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
  • When there’s no alternative path, the question isn’t whether to continue but how to continue well.
    Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The 32-year-old allowed two more goals in the period before being pulled out of the game by Blues head coach Jim Montgomery for backup goalie Joel Hofer.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Shedeur Sanders was listed as the Cleveland Browns' backup quarterback behind Dillon Gabriel after Joe Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in early October.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Each piece balances high-quality craftsmanship with designs that feel approachable and fun, making decorating a joyful experience rather than a seasonal chore.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The region’s seasonal mist and green valleys contrast strongly with Jordan’s desert palette, key for productions seeking natural diversity.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The France midfielder signed from Lyon in the summer has been eased into his Premier League career after a two-month injury layoff, with Guardiola using him mostly as an impact substitute since returning to action in mid-October.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Private-sector sources, including the university’s sentiment survey, provide a partial substitute amid the blackout.
    Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Relative to the starting pitcher market, his contract -- he is owed $28 million combined over the next two seasons with a club option for 2028 -- is reasonable.
    Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Their approach combines scientific innovation with environmental responsibility, positioning perovskite/silicon TSCs as a cornerstone for future clean energy systems, provided the industry can meet both performance and sustainability benchmarks.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Vargas floated groups of migrants across the informal border crossing between Guatemala and Mexico on a makeshift raft made from wooden boards lashed to fat inner tubes.
    Daniel Gonzalez, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Chargers ruled out tackle Bobby Hart for their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night at SoFi Stadium, which means another makeshift offensive line.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The story follows three addicts who, after their best friend’s overdose, join a secluded mountain sober house to get clean — only to discover the program’s most committed attendee is a recovering serial killer who’s relapsing in his own way.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Within hours, Wuornos sat down for the confession that would seal her fate and make her one of America’s most infamous female serial killers.
    Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.

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