as in mixing
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alternating
Rafael Guerrero, chicagotribune.com, 3 Nov. 2020
In Montgomery, churches could have alternating rows of pews roped off and pillows placed in the others, asking only family members to sit together.
—Dennis Pillion | Dpillion@al.com, al, 19 Apr. 2020
Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
The cornea is a perfect alternating stack of tiny fibers that is so regular that light goes right through it, and the cells of the lens have lost nearly all their internal structures (organelles), leaving only a soup of almost identical proteins that don’t interfere much with the passage of light.
—Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternating
Verb
District 203 Superintendent Dan Bridges said early childhood students in full-day preschool will begin returning to their schools on an alternating-day basis beginning Thursday.
—Rafael Guerrero, chicagotribune.com, 3 Nov. 2020
In Montgomery, churches could have alternating rows of pews roped off and pillows placed in the others, asking only family members to sit together.
—Dennis Pillion | Dpillion@al.com, al, 19 Apr. 2020
Adjective
Much was remarkable about the event—the huge turnout, the alternating notes of forgiveness and retribution, the generally messianic atmosphere—but something that Pete Hegseth, the Fox host turned Pentagon chief, said onstage stood out to me.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
The cornea is a perfect alternating stack of tiny fibers that is so regular that light goes right through it, and the cells of the lens have lost nearly all their internal structures (organelles), leaving only a soup of almost identical proteins that don’t interfere much with the passage of light.
—Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternating
Verb
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The first video work in the series, Ready Mix, 2021, follows the strangely hypnotic rumble of cement production at an Idaho mixing plant, from sand to finished block.—
Anne Reeve,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
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Plus, the unique colors are great for standing out at the gym or mixing into your capsule wardrobe; throw on an oversized hoodie or a denim jacket for an easy off-duty outfit.—
Jenifer Calle,
Glamour,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Because the government shutdown prevented the Bureau of Labor Statistics from issuing its jobs report for September on Friday, Wall Street is turning to alternate gauges from the private sector.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
6 Oct. 2025
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Defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been an alternate captain for years.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The announcement was made in a press release for a unique event combining art and wrestling.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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Nationally, when combining both renters and homeowners, housing costs equaled about 21% of median household income in 2024, according to a SmartAsset analysis of Census Bureau data.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Industry groups had also urged lawmakers to avoid the shutdown, warning that the travel sector was already sensitive to staffing challenges and seasonal demand could be hit hard.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
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Back in December, Glen Powell, 37, excitedly shared the news of receiving his seasonal bundt cake.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Such surprises not only refer to the product assortment but also the design pieces Van Noten has selected for the space and that stand out in the cozy, sophisticated environment juxtaposing materials such as polished white marble, travertine and brushed brass elements.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
19 Sep. 2025
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In May, a sprawling bamboo scaffold was built in the courtyard of Venice’s Campo della Tana, as part of a showcase exploring the diverse and often juxtaposing aspects of public space in Hong Kong, with a focus on threatened heritage.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That song impacted across pop, country and rhythmic radio, and was placed on Spotify’s Rap Caviar and pop playlists.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2025
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Powered by a mellow-yet rhythmic Afrobeats tune, the cheeky track finds Miko lusting over a stripper in this seductive narrative that captures an undeniable connection between the two.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For Atlanta designer Jessica Davis, sourcing authentic vintage is the key to incorporating vintage prep for the earth-conscious homeowner.—
Lauren Jones,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
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These looks often emphasize exaggerated features, painted-on rosy cheeks, and stitched details, incorporating eerie and whimsical elements.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Oxy is selling its chemicals business at a bit of a discount when the broader petrochemical sector is near a cyclical trough.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
2 Oct. 2025
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The four seasons are a symbol of the circle of creation — everything is cyclical.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
21 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alternating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternating. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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