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
Kaela Ling, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Where percale fabrics have an over-under weave, sateen fabrics alternate four over and one under, like a satin weave, giving the fabric a smoother feel.
—Mary Grace Granados
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2026
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Scott Hoffert spent much of his cross-examination of Borchers pointing to possible alternate scenarios, given the dynamic situation of the shooting.
—Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Gifford’s reaction Linebacker Luke Gifford was elated at his selection to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games along with McCaffery, Kittle, left tackle Trent Williams, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and long-snapper Jon Weeks, with return specialist Skyy Moore as an alternate.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternate
Verb
One way she’s found to navigate around this is to take alternating work shifts with her husband while traveling.
—Kaela Ling, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Where percale fabrics have an over-under weave, sateen fabrics alternate four over and one under, like a satin weave, giving the fabric a smoother feel.
—Mary Grace Granados
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
The alternate cover, a mustached man with what appears to be a colorful lei necklace around his neck, was taken from a painting from one of the houses where Bryan recorded all the songs for the album.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2026
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Scott Hoffert spent much of his cross-examination of Borchers pointing to possible alternate scenarios, given the dynamic situation of the shooting.
—Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
Norman is an actress Like her boyfriend, Norman is best known for her acting career, which began onstage as an alternate in the West End production of An American in Paris.
—Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Gifford’s reaction Linebacker Luke Gifford was elated at his selection to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games along with McCaffery, Kittle, left tackle Trent Williams, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and long-snapper Jon Weeks, with return specialist Skyy Moore as an alternate.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternate
Verb
-
Munich's answer to serious business mixed with Oktoberfest celebration.—
Melinda Elmborg,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
The nominees for the 62nd annual Cinema Audio Society highlight the outstanding contributions of sound mixers, recognizing excellence in the specialized craft of sound mixing for both motion pictures and television.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Higher values mean stricter limits on alternative theories.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Jan. 2026
-
The Paramount lawsuit questions whether alternative scenarios or competing valuations were sufficiently considered before the WBD board elected to move forward with Netflix.—
Corey Martin,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Limited backup power could knock out internet access, leaving millions to wait for instant answers.—
Jamie Yuccas,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
His father, Osaar, was a backup quarterback at UCLA from 2005-09.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
That includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers, and accounts for absenteeism resulting from sick leave, parental leave, vacation time, statutory holidays, illness, injury, and even bad weather and labour disputes.—
Joe O’Connor,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Boston Narrow Suede Clog Birkenstock’s signature suede takes on a seasonal twist with corduroy in the Boston Narrow Suede Clog, currently marked down to $106.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But indulging in a few slices or sprinkles—rather than using a block as a substitute for a protein bar or shake—is the smarter way to go.—
Michele Ross,
SELF,
20 Jan. 2026
-
In China, government control substitutes for independent board governance.—
Steven Wolfe Pereira,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This cave-aged, cow’s milk cheese is described as combining a smooth creaminess with a bold, cheddary tang.—
Michele Herrmann,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Darcy Kuemper played nearly a period before sustaining an injury and giving way to Anton Forsberg, combining for 33 saves.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The majority of Palestinians live in makeshift tents since their homes were reduced to rubble during the war.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Above the presidential portraits is gold lettering that matches the new Rose Garden sign, titling the makeshift exhibit.—
Paloma Chavez,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Remember Billy Bulger, the Corrupt Midget, brother of Democrat serial killer Whitey Bulger?—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
-
But to stop a serial killer, Clarice must confront her own inner darkness.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternate. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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