alternate 1 of 3

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

alternate

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noun

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
But with Chase alternating between sunny tour guide and cagey sparring partner, Zenovich manages to surgically separate jerk from unconventional genius, as well as the wounded man underneath. Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026 In overtime, teams will alternate on three conversion attempts from the 5. Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Under Hiller’s stewardship, once enthusiastic alternate captain Phillip Danault, a center, was emptied of joy and also asked for a trade, which Holland made in December. Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026 Drivers can also consider using the eastbound US 60 Superstition Freeway as an alternate freeway route. Christian Cervantes, AZCentral.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
The rest of the versatile cast alternate in multiple roles including principals Rami Margron, Michael Park and Ariel Shafir and ensemble members Germainne Lebrón, Torkan Omari and Kenneth Ray. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026 Birkeland, Brittany Bowe, Mia Manganello and Greta Myers make up the American Team Pursuit women's squad, which includes an alternate. Rolando Arrieta, NPR, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternate
Verb
  • Simply mix 250g of low-fat quark (which contains around 20g of protein) with 40g of ground oats, half a banana as a natural binding agent and a dash of milk.
    Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Ground chicken is mixed with mild Monterey Jack cheese and a classic buffalo-style seasoning to make these flavorful meatballs.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • More than 30 congressional Democrats boycotted the address altogether, while others attended alternative events designed to compete with the president’s messaging.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
  • And those who don’t are working on alternative forms of interactive storytelling.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • According to the report, the plane assigned for their mission was leaking fuel from its starboard engine, forcing them to use a backup E/A-18 Growler.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
  • That run carried over with a pair of buckets from backup center Jonas Valanciunas.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For warm-season grasses, this occurs in late spring to early summer, when air and soil temperatures are warm and seasonal rains plentiful.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Apartment buildings in the city’s southern part were intended primarily for seasonal tenants or for one- or two- member households of elderly.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Both companies say their programs, known as large language models, aren’t a substitute for professional care and shouldn’t be used to diagnose medical conditions.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Combine them with water to use as an egg substitute in recipes.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Werner likes to combine these alternatives with sugar-free chia jam.
    Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2026
  • East Bungalows boast elevated terraces with hammocks, as well as two twin-sized beds on rollers that can be combined to form a king.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Wen-Lone Chou tested illegally built ghost guns in a makeshift shooting range in the basement of his Long Island home, authorities allege.
    Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Quite quickly after the judges picked a winner in the Quickfire Challenge, crews darted in to clean up the makeshift kitchen stacked with Bosch appliances and aluminum tables serving as workspaces.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • At the time of his death, Brashers was not publicly identified as a serial killer, but advances in forensic genealogy changed that.
    Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Others wondered why local media or law enforcement had not talked about an apparent serial killer.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternate. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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