as in options
the power, right, or opportunity to choose
there's no alternative: we must cross the stream to reach our destination
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alternatives
Republican leadership faces mounting pressure to address internal divisions, clarify the GOP's platform and offer policy alternatives for key issues like health care, the cost of living and economic insecurity.
—
Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
As routines shift and people look for more flexible ways to stay active, smart home gyms have stepped in—not just as convenient alternatives, but as serious tools built around personalization, data, and intelligent design.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Yet today, rising geopolitical instability and a wave of economic nationalism threaten to disrupt the free flows of energy the system relies on — all at a moment when cheaper, cleaner alternatives are available.
—John Kerry, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025
The team is hard at work, both on the separation transaction, and on following the board’s direction to evaluate strategic alternatives.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
Learn about using all-purpose cleaners on glass and some alternatives for the job.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
The review, being carried out by Citi, will assess a full range of alternatives including partnerships, divestitures and spin-offs.
—Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
Investments in alternatives are expected to top $32 trillion by 2030, boosted in large part by growth from wealthy investors, according to a report from Preqin.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
The former school board member turned charter school executive has built her platform by criticizing the public school system, promoting school choice and private alternatives – all while profiting from establishing and providing services to charter schools throughout the state and nation.
—Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
As routines shift and people look for more flexible ways to stay active, smart home gyms have stepped in—not just as convenient alternatives, but as serious tools built around personalization, data, and intelligent design.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Yet today, rising geopolitical instability and a wave of economic nationalism threaten to disrupt the free flows of energy the system relies on — all at a moment when cheaper, cleaner alternatives are available.
—John Kerry, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025
The team is hard at work, both on the separation transaction, and on following the board’s direction to evaluate strategic alternatives.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
Learn about using all-purpose cleaners on glass and some alternatives for the job.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
The review, being carried out by Citi, will assess a full range of alternatives including partnerships, divestitures and spin-offs.
—Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
Investments in alternatives are expected to top $32 trillion by 2030, boosted in large part by growth from wealthy investors, according to a report from Preqin.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
The former school board member turned charter school executive has built her platform by criticizing the public school system, promoting school choice and private alternatives – all while profiting from establishing and providing services to charter schools throughout the state and nation.
—Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
Noun
-
The interior designer’s Wayfair rug collection with Loloi includes so many options in neutral shades and subtle patterns that complement a variety of home styles, including modern, farmhouse, and traditional aesthetics.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Despite these real dangers, our law enforcement shows incredible restraint in exhausting all options before force is escalated.—
James Hill,
ABC News,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Those policy choices have contributed to declining aquifers and greater vulnerability when rainfall is insufficient.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
People are acting entirely too entitled to information about each other's private reproductive choices.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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