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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 system — which required her to also wear an ankle monitor the last two months — allowed for individuals like Chavez, who are not considered a threat or who had an ongoing immigration case, an alternative to detention and deportation. Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025 Today's Google alternatives all have their own take on AI Overviews, which generates responses to queries based on search results. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Adjective
In addition to its alternative radio support, the song is bubbling under Adult Alternative Airplay. Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 6 June 2025 The growing trend: Businesses turning to alternative capital As Andre points out, a growing number of businesses are now turning to nontraditional financial support when traditional sources fail them. Liquidia, USA Today, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative
Noun
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025
  • With its future coverage options limited, Michigan State created a captive insurance company, Lysander Series, to provide general liability coverage.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • The bill allows for an alternate calculation based on four of the last five years, a boon for officers who received big raises at the very end of their careers.
    A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
  • Nonetheless, the Pentagon is preparing for alternate scenarios.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • The spokesperson said the company plans to open new locations in 2026 as well, including some in nontraditional locations like airports and university campuses.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 9 June 2025
  • Likewise, Max’s recent medical drama The Pitt was able to shoot locally in part thanks to its nontraditional salary scale, which brings the show’s budget down on par with what a tax incentive might have done.
    Lane Brown, Vulture, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • The amount of sun and the exposure in your garden should be key factors in making your plant choices.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
  • That’s life, and that something that also drove our artistic choices to a heartwarming visual style, retaining proximity with our main character throughout her ups and downs that also manifest in the film’s palette.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Set realistic expectations—results vary, and acupuncture works best as part of a broader, optional wellness offering rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
    Irina Logman, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Ekblad fine Defenseman Aaron Ekblad was a full participant in the Panthers’ optional practice on Sunday and said there are no issues with his left hand after blocking a Darnell Nurse shot during the second overtime period of Game 2 on Friday.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • This unconventional talent pool helped Tesla streamline operations and scale faster than legacy automakers expected.
    David Villa, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • There was something transgressive and liberating about an aesthetic that inverted not only good and bad taste but also conventional and unconventional morality.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • For shareholders, of note will be the potential impact on discretionary funds available for distribution, including dividends, share buybacks and bonus payments.
    Ruxandra Iordache,April Roach, CNBC, 6 June 2025
  • For example, over four years beginning in June 2020, Do directed millions of dollars in pandemic-era funding to Viet America Society through his First District discretionary funds for a meals program for the elderly and people with disabilities, starting with an initial $5 million that June.
    Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Autonomous trams and underground trains operate in many European countries, and a variety of transportation vehicles move autonomously in closed environments such as factories and ports.
    Forrester, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • How to find No Vacancy No Vacancy is a 3,800-square-foot underground space under Riot Room and Junk Punch.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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