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.

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
The breezy, free-flowing silhouette kept me comfortable—even during the East Coast heat wave—while the playful ruffle hem and alternating striped pattern added just the right amount of movement and romance to complement the seaside setting. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026 Sitcom-style no-exit environments; slapstick violence; the alternating rhythm of anxiety and release. James Parker, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternating
Adjective
  • Iran’s proxies in the region, the Houthis, have since blockaded another strait – the Bab-al-Mandeb – challenging Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through that alternate route.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • While the Lawrence Avenue exit is closed, IDOT recommends commuters account for additional time in their drive and seek alternate routes.
    Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Videos on Iranian social media showed many women at the cafes flouting mandatory veiling laws, and crowds mixing freely.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Kilgore, whom the team took in the fifth round, has been mixing into a couple of different roles for the Bills early in camp, with safety being his usual home during team drills.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The festival began as a seasonal attraction but has grown into a Kansas City-area family tradition centered on education and close encounters with butterflies.
    Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Caladiums are mostly seasonal, lasting spring through late summer or fall.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Products like Pulparindo and Pelón Pelo Rico were combining tamarind, sugar, salt and chili decades before anyone used the word swangy.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • The microphones pick up the rhythmic thwack of leather on leather as Zizou executes a series of short passes with teammates.
    Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026
  • There is the rhythmic, at times monotonous pattern of the minor-league baseball season.
    Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Suede shirt + camo capris + gold accents One of the easiest ways to look like a fashion insider is juxtaposing masculine and feminine elements in one outfit.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 28 July 2026
  • Those juxtaposing results, and the opposing emotions that came with them, are a reminder of why Cristobal stresses that his team avoids the external talk around his team.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • The prevalence and effectiveness of Moms for Liberty in relation to school board elections has been short-lived because the nature of culture war issues is cyclical, experts say.
    Trinity Webster-Bass, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
  • Unlike most defense companies, Broswarm's business model is counter-cyclical, anticipating high demand for demining *after* conflicts end, particularly for reconstruction efforts in places like Ukraine.
    Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Ransomware and extortion have evolved into comprehensive ecosystems, incorporating elements such as affiliate programs, subscription services, and encrypted money laundering.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • To kickstart sweet, barrier-supporting dreams, try incorporating a magnesium supplement into your nightly routine, or use a topical form of the mineral, which is thought to promote more restful sleep.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Alternating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternating. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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