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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Recent Examples of alternates
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
As much as the action, which is tightly cut and usually alternates confidently between characters frantically on-the-move and other characters huddled in claustrophobic spaces, the storylines are held together by the performances.
—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Oct. 2025
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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
As much as the action, which is tightly cut and usually alternates confidently between characters frantically on-the-move and other characters huddled in claustrophobic spaces, the storylines are held together by the performances.
—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
7 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 new Chinese hybrid coating mixes in some more conventional carbon-black pigment without losing the effect and most importantly, can be sprayed on to car bodies in the normal way.
-
Now based in Charlotte, the Reams have welcomed three pit bull mixes to go along with a Labrador retriever, a Chihuahua and a French bulldog.
Noun
-
Starting tomato seedlings under lights, or in sunny windows, are not good substitutes for growing plants in the sun outdoors or in a greenhouse.
-
Yes, real toys are better than high-tech devices, but both are poor substitutes for growing up.
Verb
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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.
-
Much like the film, the choreography juxtaposes joy with despair in an ever-changing environment.
Noun
-
Battery pack replacements typically range from $5,000 to $20,000.
-
In their place, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente somewhat bafflingly lined up Barcelona duo Ferrán Torres and Gavi as their replacements.
Verb
-
The second style, named Cassette 75, combines the Arizona sandal with the Boston clog, first introduced in 1976 and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.
-
Unlike conventional nuclear fission reactors, fusion combines light atomic nuclei to release energy.
Noun
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The seasonal produce—refreshing watermelon, ripe peaches, sweet silver queen corn, juicy heirloom tomatoes; pub subs on the beach; and anything coming off the grill.
-
Substitutions brought fresh life to Switzerland's team in the second half, and those subs scored three goals in a matter of minutes — two by Johan Manzambi and one by Rubén Vargas.
Verb
-
The Nampa facility incorporates this Amazon technology to help handle the mass amounts of products going in and out of the center.
-
Its new design incorporates local materials and draws inspiration from the Pittsburgh region's landscape and industrial history.
Cite this Entry
“Alternates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternates. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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