ALTERNATING Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

alternating 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of alternating

as in alternate

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

alternating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of alternate

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.

Related Words

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 alternating

Adjective

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 | [email protected], al, 19 Apr. 2020

Verb

Douse your hair in mousse, and use the comb and your fingers to create alternating S-wave patterns throughout. — Audrey Noble, InStyle, 2 July 2026 The judge also issued Taylor custody of Ever on the same midweek day each week without overnights as well as alternating weekends. — Sean Mandell, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternating

Adjective

North Field on Tinian, which was once the busiest airport in the world, was shut down after the war but is undergoing renovation to become an alternate base to Guam as Washington tries to disperse its assets around the region.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
With the facilities unavailable, Caltrans is encouraging travelers to plan ahead by identifying alternate places to stop for fuel, food, restroom breaks and rest before beginning their trip.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of alternate

Verb

Brian La Broca was one of the vendors, selling water and a traditional drink called fernandito, a cocktail mixing Coca-Cola with fernet.

— Julianna Mejia July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026
The trick to making the formula feel dynamic is mixing materials, as a blend of textures helps prevent your ensemble from falling flat.

— Kelsey Stewart, Glamour, 10 July 2026

Definition of mixing

Adjective

But while most of his peers do this on remote subantarctic islands, Neil chooses to hang out with humans in the Australian island state during his seasonal visits – and wreak havoc.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Earlier, at least 17 people were killed in the southern Philippines, mostly due to landslides that were set off by seasonal monsoon rains that Bavi intensified before the typhoon blew away toward Taiwan, Philippine officials said Saturday.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of seasonal

Verb

The actual Tann was born to free parents and, according to some sources, served in the Union Army before moving to Kansas, where he became known for combining medicinal treatment with physical therapy.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
What will make the event more special is that several Pokémon Go communities are combining forces for giveaways, photo opportunities and activities led by ambassadors.

— Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Definition of combining

Adjective

But as anyone who has driven down such highways can attest, the rhythmic clack-clack sound of expansion joints built into the pavement can be annoying for motorists.

— Scott Neuman, NPR, 7 July 2026
Her performance, in the small club, transformed the instrument’s traditional image with a performance full of rhythmic complexity, lyrical beauty and improvisation.

— Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of rhythmic

Verb

Flip-flops, meanwhile, are ideal for both beach outfits and for juxtaposing with more structured pieces like black pants.

— Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 24 June 2026
The juxtaposing trim is enough to catch your eye while still being minimalist and subtle compared to a plain all-black bikini.

— Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 23 June 2026

Definition of juxtaposing

Adjective

These appear in every guest room and, angled to catch the changing light, create a constantly shifting patchwork of light and shadow, inspired by the Mayan belief that life is cyclical.

— Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
The same year, venture funding for fitness and wellness hit a cyclical low of just over $5 billion globally.

— Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of cyclic

Verb

To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026
The event targets potential equity funders and will include a pre-event dinner, an art installation incorporating physical pieces from the film, and the launch of the film’s original soundtrack.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 July 2026

Definition of incorporating

Browse Nearby Words

alternates

alternating

alternative

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Alternating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternating. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of alternating

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on alternating

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

loquacious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes