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
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
The home team then alternates on the last three potential duels.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The project alternates between details of everyday life—imbued with a surreal, universal quality—and delicate, melancholic landscapes alongside portraits of figures suspended in time, inhabiting their own oneiric world.
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
From there, Denver alternates between home and away for the first week.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2025
Tim Graham, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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
The home team then alternates on the last three potential duels.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The project alternates between details of everyday life—imbued with a surreal, universal quality—and delicate, melancholic landscapes alongside portraits of figures suspended in time, inhabiting their own oneiric world.
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
From there, Denver alternates between home and away for the first week.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 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
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Hosted by Airbnb superhost Ashley, the Tetonia saloon mixes an old-timey look with modern amenities such as a gas fireplace, pool table and barbecue grill.—
Hali Smith
May 3,
Idaho Statesman,
3 May 2026
-
Just like traditional spinach dip, the recipe mixes together spinach, sour cream, and chives to achieve that cool, onion flavor with a kick.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
1 May 2026
Noun
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When Ponce and Brizuela played in the World Cup, there was no controversy because both were substitutes, and Brizuela’s nationality was only revealed after the tournament.—
Carlos Rodriguez,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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Although schools are open with substitutes, the strike has consumed about 6% of the academic year.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Create a Modern Rustic Tablescape This Mother's Day tablescape juxtaposes casual textures with delicate elements for modern rustic effect.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Apr. 2026
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Elsewhere, Solimene juxtaposes an original Sirena made of ceramic, sourced from its archive in Vietri sul Mare, Salerno, with a contemporary version created for the exhibition.—
Marianna Cerini,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The company has received 5,952 reports involving DC-DC converter replacements, but these have resulted in no accidents or injuries.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
27 Apr. 2026
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By addressing messes quickly and effectively, these types of products can help prevent stains, odors, and wear that often lead to deeper cleaning, repairs, or replacements.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The CoStar analysis combines data for all apartment bedroom configurations to determine its overall rent and occupancy statistics.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
Breakthrough from genetic genealogy In 2025, the case was reopened using investigative genetic genealogy, a method that combines DNA analysis and family tree research to help identify unidentified individuals, the Albuquerque Police Department reported.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
Noun
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The social impact is good news for Sky, which does not put all sketches from the show online – as a pay TV operator, a key consideration is getting people to sign up to its service, so some of the SNL content remains for Sky and Now TV subs only.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
2 May 2026
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By the way, how about the prices of subs these days.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Co-written with veteran author Lin Oliver, the book incorporates the tools of MindUP, Hawn's mental health program, which teaches students about their brains and how to regulate emotions.—
Eric Andersson,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
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The film also incorporates Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff designs in platinum with pavé diamonds on Emily Blunt as well as T by Tiffany sunglasses on Meryl Streep, weaving the brand into multiple wardrobe moments.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternates. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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