alternating 1 of 2

Definition of alternatingnext

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.

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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 | Dpillion@al.com, al, 19 Apr. 2020
Verb
That would have meant alternating work days with her husband, relying on their family or one of the two quitting their job entirely. Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 2026 Sam’s silhouette is backlit by alternating reds and blues that evoke police lights (designed by Maximo Grano De Oro) while sound designer Satya Chávez contributes an eerie soundscape. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternating
Adjective
  • Northern itineraries bring guests closer to red-footed boobies and alternate habitats.
    David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Matt Fitzpatrick and younger brother Alex combined for a 1-under 71 in alternate-shot play Sunday to pull out a dramatic, single-stroke victory in the Zurich Classic team event and usher the younger Fitzpatrick onto the PGA Tour.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Kapetan’s yearning, intimate voice is still front and center, mixing and modernizing elements of favorites of the aughts like Conor Oberst (his earnestness), Ben Kweller (his wit), and Sufjan Stevens (his beauty).
    Brendan Hay, SPIN, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Professional golfers constantly tinker with equipment and jump from one club manufacturer to another throughout their careers, but Rose mixing it up comes across as a very strange move for a number of different reasons.
    Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Wine Kitchen, originally conceived as a wine store, has evolved into a full-service, seasonal restaurant with wine as the focus and one of the most popular restaurants in Leesburg, Virginia.
    Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Fire officials said significant vegetation growth across the region, rising temperatures, low humidity and seasonal winds prompted the suspension.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Connecticut turkey hunting typically costs $47, combining a $19 turkey permit with the mandatory $28 resident game bird conservation stamp, according to DEEP.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
  • London has carved out a global reputation for fintech, combining regulatory sophistication with access to capital, talent and a dense network of financial institutions.
    Melissa Jun Rowley, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The novel delivers all the frenzy of a gold rush with rhythmic, hypnotic prose.
    Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Ditto the sophisticated modulations and subtle rhythmic shifts that underpin Puth’s best songs.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There was also an appeal about juxtaposing large and small crimes that could play off each other without having to be explained and analyzed outright.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The storytelling potential of Rick and Danny’s juxtaposing circumstances appealed to Carney.
    Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The modeling industry has long played a role in perpetuating unrealistic body standards, though there have been cyclical advances and setbacks.
    Rory Satran, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the Perseverance rover has used a different instrument to find evidence for both cyclic organic compounds and macromolecular carbon.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Olah is considering whether to work this idea into Claude’s training, perhaps even incorporating it into a future version of the soul doc.
    Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Both the white flesh and the green rind are prime candidates for pickling, then featuring in cocktails or lemonade, as part of a cheese bowls or boards, and incorporating into salads.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alternating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternating. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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