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
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
If your address falls outside its fiber footprint (common in the Midwest and Mountain regions), you may be forced onto slower or capped alternatives.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Biologics have a special pathway to FDA approval, and biosimilars — alternatives to the brand name products — have long been treated differently than other generic drugs.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives that create a more unified and cohesive look, including (but not limited to) Roman shades, roller shades, and café-style curtains.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
Now, shipping companies actively seek viable, cleaner alternatives to this traditional fuel to reduce their carbon footprints.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
The traditional 60/40 portfolio of stocks and bonds no longer delivers the returns investors need, pushing more money into alternatives such as hedge funds and private credit, according to Jim DeWolfe, co-founder and chief investment officer at Northside Capital.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
Some attorneys are willing to offer a brief consultation or connect with employers to discuss alternatives for no charge.
—Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Consumers are caught in a paradox; the warnings are everywhere, yet the alternatives are nowhere.
—Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
If your address falls outside its fiber footprint (common in the Midwest and Mountain regions), you may be forced onto slower or capped alternatives.
—Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Biologics have a special pathway to FDA approval, and biosimilars — alternatives to the brand name products — have long been treated differently than other generic drugs.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025
The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives that create a more unified and cohesive look, including (but not limited to) Roman shades, roller shades, and café-style curtains.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
Now, shipping companies actively seek viable, cleaner alternatives to this traditional fuel to reduce their carbon footprints.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
The traditional 60/40 portfolio of stocks and bonds no longer delivers the returns investors need, pushing more money into alternatives such as hedge funds and private credit, according to Jim DeWolfe, co-founder and chief investment officer at Northside Capital.
—Yun Li, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
Some attorneys are willing to offer a brief consultation or connect with employers to discuss alternatives for no charge.
—Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Consumers are caught in a paradox; the warnings are everywhere, yet the alternatives are nowhere.
—Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
Noun
-
The single panels have two hanging options, including a 3-inch rod pocket or back tabs that can hold curtain rings.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Other options for all ages include hiking; riding one of the resort’s free-to-borrow bicycles; or even kayaking among the mangroves in search of sea turtles.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The people also get to say who is sexy, and prior to the official announcement, the people’s choices are announced.—
Choire Sicha,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
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But when users, including Kashmira herself, begin to suffer chronic pain as a result of the product, both siblings must confront the root cause behind their life-altering choices.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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