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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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
To rein in these non-traditional energy sources, researchers typically rely on rectifiers, or devices designed to convert the alternating current of electromagnetic waves—which oscillate in every which direction—into a direct current.
—Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 2 Apr. 2020
The novel presents the alternating viewpoints of Alice and Eleanor in first person, as well as several chapters following John Billington’s point of view (which is disconcertingly rendered in third person).
—Emily Gray Tedrowe, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2020
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
To rein in these non-traditional energy sources, researchers typically rely on rectifiers, or devices designed to convert the alternating current of electromagnetic waves—which oscillate in every which direction—into a direct current.
—Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 2 Apr. 2020
The novel presents the alternating viewpoints of Alice and Eleanor in first person, as well as several chapters following John Billington’s point of view (which is disconcertingly rendered in third person).
—Emily Gray Tedrowe, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2020
See All Example Sentences for alternating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternating
Adjective
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But the Suns were going to get something for Durant, so the alternate history isn’t necessarily much different.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
-
In an alternate timeline, billionaire and investor Mark Cuban could have been Kamala Harris‘ vice presidential pick.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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This denim pair comes in a white shade that reminds us of Witherspoon’s seasonal shorts.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
28 June 2025
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Chef Christophe Moret offers a seasonal, local menu a la carte or prix fixe.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
To aid absorption of the magnesium oil, prepare the skin with gentle dry bushing to promote circulation, then rub the magnesium oil into the legs using firm, upwards strokes, moving from the feet and ankles with deep, rhythmic movements upward to the thighs.—
Valentina Bottoni,
Vogue,
29 May 2025
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Alcaraz and his team know this better than anyone, which is why the Spaniard, 22, came to this year’s Australian Open with a new, more rhythmic service motion.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Brown devoted Wednesdays to mobility and conditioning after years of just incorporating it into his daily workouts.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
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The musical’s score stood out for its non-white cast and incorporating hip-hop, R&B and soul elements to the soundscape.—
Amy Contreras,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Big Bounce: The Universe collapses and then expands again, potentially in a cyclic process.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
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First, pertussis naturally occurs in cyclic epidemics, peaking every two to five years.—
Annette Regan,
The Conversation,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Authorities also described the crew as serial thieves who previously targeted other drivers.—
Josh Campbell,
CNN Money,
18 June 2025
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She was captivated by the sheer number of serial killers running amok in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s and ’80s.—
Sarah Weinman,
The Atlantic,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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High-criticality or hard-to-access assets often justify remote, real-time solutions (e.g., IoT sensors), while less-critical assets might only need handheld tools or periodic checks.—
Ed Garibian,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
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The footage captured by the drones will be also subject to periodic audits.—
Libor Jany,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alternating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternating. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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