alternate 1 of 3

verb

Definition of alternatenext
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

1
as in alternative

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in backup

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Dissimilar Words
3
as in seasonal

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Dissimilar Words

alternate

3 of 3

noun

as in substitute

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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
Do them in a circuit format, alternating exercises with breaks. — Laura Solla, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026 Much like the work of Shirley Jackson, The Bat deftly alternates spine-tingling scares with laugh-out-loud moments of mirth. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
The idea that the development of the internet might have saved the USSR comes from the author of an alternate-history novel in which technologies are transported into the Soviet Union from the future. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Oct. 2026 The central committee started its term in 2022 with more than 370 full and alternate members. — Kanis Leung, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
Seeing red UConn revealed new red alternate uniforms this week that will be worn in at least one of the team’s seven home games this season. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 27 Aug. 2026 Last year, Cleveland Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders was, statistically, one of the NFL’s worst quarterbacks over his seven starts, yet still made the Pro Bowl as the sixth alternate after several opt-outs. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternate
  1. mix
  2. alternative
  3. backup
  4. seasonal
  5. substitute
  6. combine
  7. makeshift
  8. serial
Verb
  • For a while, Two Shell’s antics—like sending in decoy DJs pretending to mix—were divisive, but at least the music was exciting.
    — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The story takes place at a time when young British musicians were mixing Punjabi beats with modern, bass-heavy production.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of mix
Adjective
  • The task force also recommends developing alternative response models that prioritize mental health professionals over police in appropriate situations, along with requiring less-lethal tools, training and clear use-of-force policies.
    — CBS Baltimore, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The Planning and Land Use Management Committee instructed the city Planning Department in October 2025 to explore alternative price points for appeals that would decrease the amount of money the city’s general fund would have to subsidize.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of alternative
Adjective
  • Blashill was asked if backup goaltender Arvid Söderblom’s placement on waivers and eventual assignment to Rockford was a wake-up call for his team.
    — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026
  • McCord was acquired via trade with the Green Bay Packers ahead of the season, as Miami moved off of Quinn Ewers, the team’s backup quarterback to Willis in training camp, due to his performance in the preseason.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of backup
Adjective
  • This faux greenery features impressively lifelike cypress leaves, while the berries add a bold, seasonal color.
    — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The impacts of El Niño vary in different parts of the world, adjusting hurricane frequencies, altering sea levels, and at times triggering mass flooding or severe drought as well as seasonal snowfall amounts that depart from historical averages.
    — Nikki Nolan, CBS News, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of seasonal
Noun
  • Classical conservatism is about creating conditions for human flourishing, and the angry populism of the modern era is an unsatisfying substitute for older conservative ideas.
    — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2026
  • For example, the restaurant’s maple syrup is pure maple, rather than a corn syrup substitute.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • Escott is rolling out some meditation workshops where participants will stand on a city pavement and ponder how ancient seashells and coral reefs were once turned into cement and combined with stones and sand to turn into pavements.
    — Anne Makovec, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
  • This show-stopping historical hotel on the edge of the moor combines roaring fires and old-world grandeur with one of Devon’s best spas.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of combine
Adjective
  • Krukoff and Fróes lived for weeks in a makeshift camp-site, out of sight from suspicious eyes.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Residents resorted to zip lines and makeshift crossings until a temporary suspension bridge opened in October.
    — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of makeshift
Adjective
  • The serial integration was developed earlier this year; Music Assistant and SendSpin, which power the audio-out feature, are in active development.
    — Nathan Edwards, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Monoprix is a serial collaborator, and sometimes a repeat one.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of serial

Browse Nearby Words

altering
alternate
alternated
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Cite this Entry

“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternate. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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