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

The breezy, free-flowing silhouette kept me comfortable—even during the East Coast heat wave—while the playful ruffle hem and alternating striped pattern added just the right amount of movement and romance to complement the seaside setting. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026

Sitcom-style no-exit environments; slapstick violence; the alternating rhythm of anxiety and release. — James Parker, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

Adjective

His alternate universe is no match for the harsh reality of war. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026

As Flybjerg explains later, Vega is being just careful enough with his words for a good lawyer to concoct an alternate explanation down the road. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026

Noun

Webb originally became an alternate in 2022 at the behest of veterans Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt and Evan Longoria. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 July 2026

Drury, a trampoline athlete for Team USA, finished as an alternate for the Tokyo team while Hernandez’s comeback bid ended due to a knee injury. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026