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
Hsu and Staton rejected that argument, pointing to media coverage that showed both sides alternatively framing the initiative as a way for Democrats to take control of the House, or for Republicans to maintain their slim congressional majority.
—
Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Doing so — or, alternatively, proving that the equations never blow up — would come with a $1 million reward.
—Quanta Magazine, 9 Jan. 2026
The entire layout circled the exhibit room to which spectators were admitted, a certain number at a time, or alternatively, could sit in chairs in the center of the room and swivel their heads.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Dec. 2025
Make a reservation for dinner to indulge in escargot, caviar, and rack of lamb; alternatively, go for brunch to enjoy an extravagant three-course menu featuring French toast à la crème brulée and lobster eggs Benedict.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025
Or, alternatively, the team could move on from Max Muncy by declining his option for 2026 and slot Bichette in at third.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Rover Tiny Homes describes it as a flex room and suggests it could alternatively be used as a storage space or media room.
—New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2025
Prosecutors alternatively asked the court to overturn the anti-SLAPP law, either in its entirety or in its use in criminal cases.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Combs' lawyers had previously filed a motion asking Subramanian to either overturn his criminal conviction on the transportation to engage in prostitution charges, or alternatively, grant him a new trial.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Doing so — or, alternatively, proving that the equations never blow up — would come with a $1 million reward.
—Quanta Magazine, 9 Jan. 2026
The entire layout circled the exhibit room to which spectators were admitted, a certain number at a time, or alternatively, could sit in chairs in the center of the room and swivel their heads.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Dec. 2025
Make a reservation for dinner to indulge in escargot, caviar, and rack of lamb; alternatively, go for brunch to enjoy an extravagant three-course menu featuring French toast à la crème brulée and lobster eggs Benedict.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025
Or, alternatively, the team could move on from Max Muncy by declining his option for 2026 and slot Bichette in at third.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Rover Tiny Homes describes it as a flex room and suggests it could alternatively be used as a storage space or media room.
—New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2025
Prosecutors alternatively asked the court to overturn the anti-SLAPP law, either in its entirety or in its use in criminal cases.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Combs' lawyers had previously filed a motion asking Subramanian to either overturn his criminal conviction on the transportation to engage in prostitution charges, or alternatively, grant him a new trial.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatively
alternately
Adverb
-
The people in the plaza alternately booed and clapped, unsure whether to welcome the détente.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
15 Jan. 2026
-
So in this alternately exhausting and intriguing episodic trek the real focus is keeping the family unit together.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatively. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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