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
The key to both those alternatives is that Milton was halfway decent as a fifth guard last season. John Hollinger, New York Times, 18 June 2025 But China can be very rural outside its cities, and charging availability unreliable, so having fossil fuel as an alternative makes sense. James Morris, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
At trial, her defense focused on painting the police investigation as biased and flawed, offering jurors alternative theories for what, other than Read’s SUV, might have killed O’Keefe. Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 18 June 2025 The city stands to lose $6.5 million if alternative funding is not found, potentially resulting in cuts to staff and services next year. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative
Noun
  • Injuries have mounted, the options available to Chivu were limited.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • There’s also the option of buying several MLPs at once with a fund.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Once opposed to nontraditional station guests, NASA now throws out the welcome mat, charging for their food and upkeep while insisting that an experienced astronaut accompany them.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 June 2025
  • Diverse consumers and nontraditional retail investors - including women, young people, the working class - are leading national adoption of cryptocurrency.
    Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • When including undecided voters, the first ranked choice margin goes to 43% for Cuomo and 35% for Mamdani.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 20 June 2025
  • As the 2025 legislative sessions wrap up, one thing is clear: The once radical idea of giving every family access to educational choice is now mainstream.
    Ed Tarnowski, National Review, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Media partners see revenue shares ranging from 35 to 55 percent, along with optional setup fees and GDPR-compliant privacy protections.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Diners can also add on an optional wine pairing for an additional fee.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Use generative prompts during ideation to spark unconventional ideas that can act as creative springboards.
    Anusha Nerella, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Palmeiras have a very attractive style of football, and Porto did some impressive, and in places unconventional, defending.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • The entire non-defense discretionary budget amounts to about nine hundred billion dollars—one-seventh of the total.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • One protection now in place is that county supervisors need approval from the wider board before issuing contracts using their discretionary funding.
    Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Israel has struck Natanz repeatedly and claims to have hurt its underground facilities, which experts assess contain 10,000 centrifuges that enrich uranium up to 60%.
    Natalie Melzer, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • Often times, vacant lots may be contaminated with hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint or underground storage tanks, posing risks to human health and the environment.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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