Synonyms of alternate

alternate 1 of 3

verb

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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mix
• combine
• incorporate
• juxtapose
• salt
• insert
• blend
• thread
• weave
• merge
• embody
• integrate
• intersperse
• interlace
• interweave
• intermingle
• amalgamate
• mingle
• fuse
• assimilate
• wreathe
• lace
• commingle

alternate

2 of 3

adjective

1

as in alternative

Synonyms & Similar Words

• alternative
• optional
• chosen
• discretionary
• elective
• unnecessary
• voluntary
• unwanted
• unneeded
• dispensable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mandatory
• compulsory
• required
• obligatory
• necessary
• essential
• requisite
• nonvoluntary
• nonelective
• indispensable

2

as in backup

Synonyms & Similar Words

• backup
• makeshift
• substitute
• proxy
• stopgap
• acting
• make-do
• interim
• provisional
• temporary
• jackleg
• ad interim
• provisory
• provisionary

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permanent
• long-term

3

as in seasonal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seasonal
• serial
• cyclic
• rhythmic
• cyclical
• rhythmical
• alternating
• periodic
• recurrent
• intermittent
• continual
• recurring
• periodical
• occasional
• on-and-off
• sporadic
• spasmodic
• fitful
• spotty
• erratic
• irregular
• aperiodic
• unsteady

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuous
• constant
• eternal
• incessant
• perpetual
• unceasing
• everlasting
• interminable

alternate

3 of 3

noun

as in substitute

Synonyms & Similar Words

• substitute
• replacement
• stand-in
• backup
• sub
• relief
• fill-in
• reserve
• makeshift
• understudy
• pinch hitter
• cover
• surrogate
• stopgap
• representative
• designated hitter
• proxy
• locum tenens
• apology
• second
• rep
• factor
• assistant
• attorney
• commissary
• delegate
• assignee
• agent
• deputy
• envoy
• successor
• procurator
• reliever
• superseder

Examples of alternate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Their alternating black and white patterns create even more confusion for hungry predators trying to single out and target just one fish from the group. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

South American hunter-gatherers have alternated rest days with days full of movement for eons. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 30 Sep. 2024

Adjective

Alt uniform of the week: Denver Broncos — The Texans debuted their H-Town alternate uniforms on Sunday, but the Broncos throwbacks get the nod. —Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 7 Oct. 2024

The California Hospital Association told facilities late last week to begin conservation measures, including using the smallest amount of IV fluids needed and regularly reviewing patients receiving infusions to see if there are alternate treatments. —Tina Reed, Axios, 7 Oct. 2024

Noun

The 2024 Olympics final between the U.S. and Brazil will feature 26 NWSL players (counting alternates), including seven from the Brazilian squad. —Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2024

Three male Black potential jurors were excused, although one Black male was seated and another was an alternate, Sayasane said. —Stephanie Becker, CNN, 2 Aug. 2024