as in options
the power, right, or opportunity to choose
there's no alternative: we must cross the stream to reach our destination
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Recent Examples of alternatives
Engineers have long searched for efficient electric alternatives that can survive the harsh conditions inside industrial systems.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
Some defense technology companies have told employees to stop using Anthropic’s Claude models and migrate to alternatives.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
What gold investing alternatives are worth considering this March?
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Sugar alternatives, including artificial and natural sweeteners (such as stevia, honey, and maple syrup), may not raise blood sugar as much as sucrose.
—Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2026
The cost of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and grid-scale batteries has fallen low enough that building new renewable capacity remains cheaper than most alternatives, with or without government subsidies.
—Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
The alternatives, including vigilante justice, however, are far worse — cures worse than the disease.
—Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026
Chicken stock and chicken bone broth are also great alternatives.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Replace bread and pasta made with refined white flour with whole-grain alternatives.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
Some defense technology companies have told employees to stop using Anthropic’s Claude models and migrate to alternatives.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
What gold investing alternatives are worth considering this March?
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Sugar alternatives, including artificial and natural sweeteners (such as stevia, honey, and maple syrup), may not raise blood sugar as much as sucrose.
—Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2026
The cost of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and grid-scale batteries has fallen low enough that building new renewable capacity remains cheaper than most alternatives, with or without government subsidies.
—Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
The alternatives, including vigilante justice, however, are far worse — cures worse than the disease.
—Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026
Chicken stock and chicken bone broth are also great alternatives.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Replace bread and pasta made with refined white flour with whole-grain alternatives.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
Noun
-
The order-to-go coffee is properly made, and the pastry options are substantial.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Bars have had a lot of success with non-alcoholic options, including mocktails and non-alcoholic beers and have expanded their food and social activities, said Wadford.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Popular choices include simple carbohydrates like cereal, granola, white bread, or pastries.—
Desireé Oostland,
Vogue,
4 Mar. 2026
-
These are policy choices the governments have to make.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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