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
In addition, lines in the stanzas usually alternate between lines of four stresses and three stresses, which defines the ballad’s particular rhythmic pattern, or meter. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Oct. 2026 Los Angeles has yet to win two straight games this season, alternating losses and wins in each of the first five weeks, putting it in third place in the NFC West. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The two closures happening concurrently have led officials to urge drivers to plan ahead for alternate routes. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026 If symptoms of low testosterone are a concern, ask about alternate options that preserve fertility. — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
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 Cameoing in the film as an alternate to Captain America, Carter — an MCU fixture since 2011 — was apparently killed off by Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) with her own shield. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 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
  • Once alkaline water mixes into the sea, modeling becomes unavoidable.
    — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The three colors are mixed in different combinations and ratios, producing 16 different shades.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of mix
Adjective
  • This is where alternative funding solutions like invoice factoring and invoice financing may be able to better serve a business’s needs.
    — Andrew Coon, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • China drew on strategic reserves, alternative pipeline imports, and fuel switching.
    — Dr. Sarah Kapnick, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of alternative
Adjective
  • For developers managing a mix of AC and DC loads, Inam says the device collapses a number of machines—including a rectifier, an inverter, backup power and energy management—into a single unit four feet square and 12 feet high.
    — Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Residents see the construction trucks, the new power lines and the backup generators.
    — Adhum Carter Wolde-Lule, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of backup
Adjective
  • Cornbread, barbecue chicken, grits and seasonal market vegetables now showcase Brock’s inventive, soulful cooking — and have brought diners back to the restaurant.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Lueke said cooks can swap in different proteins or add seasonal ingredients such as squash in the fall or asparagus and peas in the spring.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of seasonal
Noun
  • At times, Zukenee’s chameleonic range and ironic language can feel like a shrewd substitute for vulnerability.
    — Narsimha Gour Chintaluri, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • America can point to tankers still transiting Hormuz, but shipping that depends on costly military protection and remains under threat is a poor substitute for normal trade.
    — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • Its geometry combines elements of two distinct lattice patterns.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Golden State was able to hang around and only trailed 46-40 at the break as the teams combined to shoot 15-for-31 (48%) from behind the arc.
    — Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of combine
Adjective
  • George describes residents taking in people who had lost their homes, workers restoring the water supply and the McAllister Hotel serving as a makeshift hospital.
    — Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This all plays out with a lot of frequent jarring tonal mismatches, and some bafflingly overwrought dramatic beats, especially around Vision’s makeshift self-repair.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of makeshift
Adjective
  • Rather than being appalled, Meisner was impressed, and McQueen became a serial student, studying with Uta Hagen and Lee Strasberg and building his resume in summer stock and television.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
  • But some traits associated with extreme psychopathy, including the ability to engage in violent behavior with little remorse or guilt, are typically found among serial killers.
    — David DeMatteo, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 2026.

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