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.

Related 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

Related Words

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

Dissimilar Words

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

2

as in backup

Related Words

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

Dissimilar Words

• permanent
• long-term

3

as in seasonal

Related Words

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

Dissimilar Words

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

alternate

3 of 3

noun

as in substitute

Related 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of alternate

Verb

Days are centered around the pool, where people alternate between flipping through books and long lunches lingering at Coco’s outdoor tables. — Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026

Gradually stir in half-and-half and cheeses, alternating between 1/4 cup cream and a handful of the cheeses at a time. — Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026

Adjective

That’s the moment to slow down, seek perspective and alternate viewpoints, not speed up. — Big Think, 21 Aug. 2026

That means drivers who normally use the Mall to cross downtown will need to find alternate routes, and some parking garages will also have restricted access during the race weekend. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

The leagues are eight weeks, with different formats like head-to-head match play or the tag-team alternate shot each week. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

This is the 25-year-old’s third season with the team, serving as an alternate in 2024. — Ava Dicecca, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2026