alternately

adverb

Definition of alternatelynext
as in alternatively

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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 alternately On the mezzanine, young people alternately browsed and posed for Beatles-style photographs taken from below. — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 In her remarks, the WNBA commissioner sounded alternately satisfied and sensitive, conveying her pride for the undeniable growth of the league over her term while also occasionally striking a defensive tone. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026 As the Tingleys alternately acquiesced to and resisted Vista Grande's insistence on medication, administrators started calling 911 after altercations, according to ambulance and police dispatch records. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026 Spock has cycled through several relationships that have challenged him alternately to get in touch with the human and Vulcan sides of his personality. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternately
  1. alternatively
  2. instead
Adverb
  • Swarovski’s Hyperbola earrings are unique but timeless; alternatively, choose a statement piece, like Hunting Season’s Tagua pendant, or an oversized Pandora charm.
    — Mekaylah Yowpp-Hernacki, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
  • In recent years, Bravo has alternatively taken the reboot approach to its properties as a way to avoid the finality of cancellation.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of alternatively
Adverb
  • The album mostly abandons the saxophone, the instrument Gendel is known for, instead opting for Auto-Tuned rap, glitchy R&B, and corroded 808s.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
  • There is a different theory, though, and that is that the shark in question wasn't a shark at all, but instead was a tarpon.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of instead

Browse Nearby Words

alternated
alternately
alternates
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Cite this Entry

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

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