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
Their alternatively affable and tense banter in front of the camera depict a fraught father-son relationship in miniature, but also how self-aware and intelligent Adrian could be even in his lowest moments.
—
Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2025
Macron could alternatively call a snap election, which could result in another hung parliament or in victory for either the far-right National Rally or a left-wing coalition.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2025
That is either an overwhelming endorsement of those men and this coaching staff’s knack for maximising their talents or, alternatively, a candid assessment of Villa’s transfer policy.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
This space can alternatively be configured as a home office if preferred.
—New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025
Latvia's Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate plus a 5% state fee or, alternatively, €50,000 in equity capital of a Latvian company plus a €10,000 donation to the state budget.
—Jeremy Savory, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2025
Macron could alternatively call a snap election, which could result in another hung parliament or in victory for either the far-right National Rally or a left-wing coalition.
—Jenni Reid, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2025
That is either an overwhelming endorsement of those men and this coaching staff’s knack for maximising their talents or, alternatively, a candid assessment of Villa’s transfer policy.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
This space can alternatively be configured as a home office if preferred.
—New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025
Latvia's Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate plus a 5% state fee or, alternatively, €50,000 in equity capital of a Latvian company plus a €10,000 donation to the state budget.
—Jeremy Savory, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatively
alternately
Adverb
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The interview is alternately boring and compelling, offering a glimpse into an insular world of privilege and entitlement.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
30 Aug. 2025
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Faced with punishment from school administrators, Westman appeared alternately nervous and nonchalant, the former employee said.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alternatively.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatively. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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