as in alternately
in place of another option
We could go out for dinner or, alternatively, we could get takeout.
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Recent Examples of alternatively
The other three acres are rented out to a local farmer for soybeans and field corn alternatively.
—
Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
Hull the strawberries by inserting a paring knife into the stem end and twisting (alternatively, slice off the top to remove the stem).
—Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026
Ho’s family is from Toisan, alternatively spelled as Taishan or Hoisan.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Prepare to be dazzled by the destination's stunningly clear waters, which are great for boating, swimming, or paddling; alternatively, post up by one of the pristine beaches.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
Or alternatively, too cold and critical.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
If air conditioning isn't an option, consider other ways to lower your bedroom's temperature or, alternatively, your body's temperature.
—Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 18 May 2026
The headlong rush of Na’s bonkers would-be international blockbuster left Cannes alternatively awed, befuddled and thrilled.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
Migrations like these happen for many reasons—new apps and systems might have a better business case because of technological edge or cost, alternatively, a merger or acquisition might mean that new staff have to be brought into alignment with the broader company.
—Thomas Berndorfer, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
Hull the strawberries by inserting a paring knife into the stem end and twisting (alternatively, slice off the top to remove the stem).
—Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026
Ho’s family is from Toisan, alternatively spelled as Taishan or Hoisan.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Prepare to be dazzled by the destination's stunningly clear waters, which are great for boating, swimming, or paddling; alternatively, post up by one of the pristine beaches.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
Or alternatively, too cold and critical.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
If air conditioning isn't an option, consider other ways to lower your bedroom's temperature or, alternatively, your body's temperature.
—Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 18 May 2026
The headlong rush of Na’s bonkers would-be international blockbuster left Cannes alternatively awed, befuddled and thrilled.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
Migrations like these happen for many reasons—new apps and systems might have a better business case because of technological edge or cost, alternatively, a merger or acquisition might mean that new staff have to be brought into alignment with the broader company.
—Thomas Berndorfer, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatively
alternately
Adverb
-
As with any outdoor activity in New Mexico, prepare for a harsh sun, alternately scorching heat or freezing cold depending on the season–this is desert–and potential dehydration.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
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The alternately suspenseful and silly scene nicely sets up the tone for this new season, which is infused with references to classic Westerns as much as screwball comedies.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatively. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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