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
On-site clinicians, rapid assessments, suicide prevention protocols, and alternatives to isolation help reduce assaults on staff and self-harm by inmates.
—
Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Faux and fleece alternatives tend to be easy to clean at home.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026
That’s left officials searching for alternatives.
—Jeffrey Kopp,kate Rogers, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
These labels may lead clinicians to rely on broader, less effective, or more toxic alternatives.
—Jordan Shaked, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026
Patients seek alternatives Wagner, the Florida Blue executive, is encouraging patients to seek care, for now at least, at other health systems that are part of Florida Blue’s network.
—Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
Because supply relationships take years to build, many firms may be absorbing the higher costs in the short term while desperately seeking cheaper alternatives.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Moreover, Mamdani has alternatives to drastic across-the-board agency cuts.
—Eric Kober, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Like many other banks, Aleali said Citizens has an alternatives platform available to clients that includes other funds, such as buyout or private credit.
—Luisa Beltran, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Faux and fleece alternatives tend to be easy to clean at home.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026
That’s left officials searching for alternatives.
—Jeffrey Kopp,kate Rogers, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
These labels may lead clinicians to rely on broader, less effective, or more toxic alternatives.
—Jordan Shaked, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2026
Patients seek alternatives Wagner, the Florida Blue executive, is encouraging patients to seek care, for now at least, at other health systems that are part of Florida Blue’s network.
—Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
Because supply relationships take years to build, many firms may be absorbing the higher costs in the short term while desperately seeking cheaper alternatives.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Moreover, Mamdani has alternatives to drastic across-the-board agency cuts.
—Eric Kober, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Like many other banks, Aleali said Citizens has an alternatives platform available to clients that includes other funds, such as buyout or private credit.
—Luisa Beltran, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
Noun
-
Everton were left with the impression last season that Branthwaite’s lack of big-game and cup experience had counted against him when Tuchel was weighing up his options.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
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The person added that officials initially considered tapping banking regulators to draft a memo for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent before eventually putting Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network in charge of gaming out the options.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Ongoing trend Ukraine and Russia aren't alone in experiencing declining fertility and birth rates — the trend can be seen in a variety of European and Asia countries — and the decreases can be down to several factors, from career and lifestyle choices to economic constraints.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
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But admiring an athlete and copying their choices are two different things — and a smiley piercing, especially one done at home, comes with real health risks that the ADA has specifically flagged.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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