alternative 1 of 2

alternative

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun alternative contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alternative are choice, election, option, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When can choice be used instead of alternative?

The words choice and alternative are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

In what contexts can election take the place of alternative?

The synonyms election and alternative are sometimes interchangeable, but election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When is option a more appropriate choice than alternative?

The meanings of option and alternative largely overlap; however, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When would preference be a good substitute for alternative?

While in some cases nearly identical to alternative, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

Where would selection be a reasonable alternative to alternative?

The words selection and alternative can be used in similar contexts, but selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

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 alternative
Noun
Gentler Alternatives to Magic Erasers For stains or spots on surfaces that aren't safe for a Magic Eraser, consider these gentler cleaning alternatives. Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025 Many developers have flocked to Neon, which is open source and billed as an alternative to top cloud provider Amazon Web Services’ Aurora Postgres database service. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Adjective
Acknowledge that behavior is a type of legitimate communication. Be willing to accept all forms of communication, including augmentative alternative communication, as valid. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025 Its 808 nm near-infrared light sends cold lasers into the skin to achieve this goal—hence no risk of heat damage, unlike most alternative options. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative
Noun
  • The Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living app is another option.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 2025
  • Death by a firing squad is an option in Idaho, although the state hasn’t carried out an execution since 2012.
    Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • People with an allergy to kiwi should look for alternate sources of vitamin C. 6.
    Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
  • When the good news came, there were about 15 hours until his tee time — which for an alternate might as well be a month.
    Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, the modern shopping mall mix is a bit different than the mall’s first heyday, with more discount retailers and nontraditional experiential retailers including medispas and trampoline parks.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The defense will aim to frame Ms. Ventura as a willing and even enthusiastic participant in a troubled, nontraditional romantic arrangement.
    Joe Coscarelli, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Impossible decision Nicole and Kyle then had a choice to make.
    Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • The design of the UP Travel enables quick switching between various codec choices.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • As mentioned, the Bellbird comes with a lot of optional upgrades and there are too many to list in full.
    Adam Williams May 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2025
  • Once a week, there’s an optional 30-minute chapel led by the team chaplain before team meetings, Ferguson-Reynolds said.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Consider a colleague who presented unconventional ideas in meetings or pursued a less traditional career path.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Featured prominently on many critics’ best-of-year lists, the book has captivated readers around the world, sparking a cultural dialogue around female desire, aging and unconventional relationships.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even with the reductions, 2026 discretionary spending would remain essentially unchanged at $1.6 trillion.
    Veronique de Rugy, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025
  • The discretionary nature of the revisions should also allow schools to navigate any Title IX requirements that might arise.
    Justin Williams, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The second phase of redevelopment is expected to double the size of the Stockyards, adding three hotels, 300,000 square feet of commercial space, at least 295 units of multifamily housing and two underground parking garages.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
  • Weather permitting, chefs prepare cochinita pibil, perhaps the most iconic dish of the region, in an underground pit directly on the beach.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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