Synonyms of alternative

alternative 1 of 2

noun

as in option

the power, right, or opportunity to choose

there's no alternative: we must cross the stream to reach our destination

Synonyms & Similar Words

• option
• choice
• way
• preference
• selection
• liberty
• election
• pick
• discretion
• vote
• volition
• druthers
• determination
• will
• voice
• free will
• say
• liking
• penchant
• predilection
• tendency
• inclination
• propensity
• judgment
• partiality
• discernment
• proclivity
• perspicacity

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• force
• coercion
• obligation
• duty
• duress
• Hobson's choice

alternative

2 of 2

adjective

1

as in alternate

Related Words

• alternate
• optional
• discretionary
• elective
• chosen
• voluntary
• unnecessary
• unwanted
• unneeded
• dispensable

Dissimilar Words

• mandatory
• compulsory
• obligatory
• required
• necessary
• essential
• nonvoluntary
• requisite
• indispensable
• nonelective

2

as in nontraditional

Related Words

• nontraditional
• unconventional
• underground
• revolutionary
• pioneering
• antiestablishment
• progressive
• bizarre
• advanced
• way-out
• trailblazing
• new
• original
• outré
• state-of-the-art
• modern
• cutting-edge
• novel
• contemporary
• far-out
• avant-garde
• unfamiliar
• fresh
• current
• avant
• unprecedented
• unknown
• strange
• unheard-of
• newfangled
• modernistic
• present-day
• ultramodern
• up-to-date
• unaccustomed
• mod
• new-fashioned
• red-hot
• space-age
• hot

Dissimilar Words

• traditional
• conventional
• customary
• established
• orthodox

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

Recent Examples of alternative

Noun

Berlin is planning to exclude Chinese suppliers from its 6G network and is testing an open-source alternative to Microsoft. —Joseph De Weck, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026

To protect against that possibility, savers should also explore their certificate of deposit (CD) account alternatives. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026

Adjective

What's an 'alternative' investment? —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026

The church will have an alternative menu of mac and cheese or cheese pizza. —Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 18 Feb. 2026