alternates 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of alternate
as in mixes
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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alternates

2 of 2

noun

plural of alternate

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 alternates
Verb
The onset of more organ soloing by Emmett over twin guitars is just the barrage needed to slam home the paranoia and loneliness in a song that alternates self-effacement with self-defensive allegations of gaslighting and abandonment. Chris Willman, Variety, 11 July 2026 The Panthers have more than enough leadership to go around in their dressing room beyond captain Aleksander Barkov and alternates Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 The mezzanine’s railing alternates plain bronze spindles with miniature art deco skyscrapers. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026 The scene alternates between him on a platform with dancers wearing Xuân Phả folk masks, set against the beautiful landscape of Trang An in Ninh Binh Province. Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 And in our car, whoever is in the front seat gets to play the music, and that alternates day-to-day. Marah Eakin, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2026 Among the services offered there is contrast therapy, which alternates heat and cold to promote circulation, reduce inflammation and help with muscle soreness. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Jan. 2026 Another mistake is planting hostas in heavy, clay soil that alternates between soggy and rock hard. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025 According to the researchers, the technology alternates silver ions and trithioisocyanuric acid (TCA) layers on an electrode substrate. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
Honorees who advanced to the Super Bowl were replaced by alternates (Trubisky was Jared Goff’s alternate in 2018-19) and the exhibition no longer was held in Aloha Stadium each year. Tim Graham, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternates
Verb
  • The Carnaby expertly mixes Ramsay’s reputation for Michelin star culinary excellence with a 1960s British Invasion rock n’ roll vibe that’s retro hip, energetic and just a bit irreverent.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 16 July 2026
  • On Thursday afternoon, in New York’s Jacob Javits Center, the world of Disney collided with the world of the NFL, all in service of an unusual new consumer product line, one that mixes some of Disney’s characters with all 32 NFL teams.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • The five free transfers should primarily be used to remove eliminated players, strengthen the starting XI and ensure there are enough viable substitutes across both matchdays.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Do not rely on water toys such as floaties, noodles, or inner tubes as substitutes for life jackets.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • The intro sequence juxtaposes Paula’s frenzied prep for the party with her prep for a potential attack from anyone associated with Trevor’s murder.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 17 June 2026
  • Much like the film, the choreography juxtaposes joy with despair in an ever-changing environment.
    Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • These are useful for keeping in a desk drawer, gym bag or pantry for quick meal replacements or post-workout recovery.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 16, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • That does not cover additional fees for potting mix, refreshed plants, new filters or planter replacements.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • The setup combines traditional diesel generators with electric propulsion to ensure reliable and efficient cruising while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 July 2026
  • Pixel control unlocked The system combines a phase-change material with a crossbar network of copper wires similar to those used in display technologies.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • The three-course dinner, $39, subs in a Fritto Misto appetizer and a Mary’s Chicken entree selection.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • Belgian boss Rudi Garcia, perhaps looking to make a statement after FIFA’s handling of the Balogun red card incident, unleashed a pair of super subs in the form of Manchester City’s attacking midfielder Jérémy Doku and Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Additionally, an adjacent staircase incorporates multiple drawers, nooks, and cupboards built into the wall.
    Adam Williams July 15, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
  • The monument incorporates thousands of places now in Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria and Poland.
    Brett R. Chloupek, The Conversation, 15 July 2026

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“Alternates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternates. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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