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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
In the spirit of pivoting, Burton chose an alternative lifestyle after filing for bankruptcy. Essence, 29 Sep. 2025 See 2025 concert lineup Kicking off the 2025 Aftershock concert lineup on Thursday are pop-punk band Blink-182 and alternative/indie band All Time Low. Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The alternative is granting those in positions of power the ability to silence anyone who disagrees with them. Time, 29 Sep. 2025 Kollie said going to Abide wasn’t a lesser alternative to going to the hospital. Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative
Noun
  • For women with dense breasts, several options exist beyond standard mammography.
    Dr. Megha Gupta, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Those cuts have left some families who had been hoping to join trials of new treatments scrambling to find other options.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The key is preparing before problems strikes, or sidestepping the problem by finding alternate transportation when possible.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Zaynn Arora as the boy messenger (Eric Williams in alternate performances) who delivers the news of Godot’s postponement is suitably fragile, fearful and haunting.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While sourcing items like sweetsop may require a trip to the nearest Caribbean market, there are plenty of other nontraditional ingredients that are perfect for fall cocktails that are readily available during this time of year.
    Essence, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The university will introduce a streamlined, centralized advising model to ensure consistent guidance throughout the student journey, while a new Office of Transfer and Adult Student Services will expand access for nontraditional, returning, and transfer students.
    Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The company released a more expensive version of its subscription-fee offering in the EU in 2023, but was slapped with a €200 million ($232 million) fine in April after regulators argued the model still breached the bloc’s digital antitrust rules and didn’t offer users a genuine free choice.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Since then, what counts as a good (virtuous) choice versus a bad (unvirtuous) one has become less and less clearly defined.
    Sophia Rosenfeld September 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As part of the festivities in Cooperstown, Ichiro was invited to an optional golf outing.
    Brad Lefton, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Partnerships with platforms like Hometainment provide optional private chefs, mixologists, and wellness experts, turning a quiet night in into something memorable.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Risher isn’t the only chief executive who throws out unconventional questions to get a deeper read on applicants.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Grant also advocates for experimentation and recommends that at-home mixologists utilize unconventional flavors often.
    Essence, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • If lawmakers fail to pass a budget, discretionary programs are the ones most directly affected, often leading to furloughs or service interruptions.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • This year is especially important as chains try to reel in consumers who have been cutting back on discretionary spending.
    Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Middle Tennessee's erosion-prone limestone and other hard bedrock have historically precluded Nashville leadership from exploring underground transportation.
    Hadley Hitson, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Sep. 2025
  • But Edison’s bulb was just one piece of a much more complicated system that included an efficient dynamo – the powerful machine that generated electricity – plus a network of underground wires and new types of lamps.
    Ernest Freeberg, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

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