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
According to the department’s directive written in 2023, officers should consider voice commands and several alternatives before using lethal force.
—
Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Brands are adapting by expanding luxury definitions, offering premium non-alcoholic alternatives, and emphasizing craftsmanship and ritual.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Drivers can also avoid exposure by seeking Turnpike alternatives when driving to or from Miami.
—Allison Beck
june 19, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
Parents should try to provide fun alternatives to screens, Nagata suggests.
—Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 19 June 2026
At the same time, domestic alternatives like Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited have given players ways to compete and earn money stateside during the offseason, without the wear of international travel or the strain of being away from home for months at a time.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
But as much as YouTube and other platforms offer compelling alternatives for development and distribution, there was a discernable sense among the room of producers, executives, analysts and lawyers that the biggest goal is to achieve meaningful progress in the heart of traditional Hollywood.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 June 2026
Lighter alternatives often fail under the elevated temperatures and pressures of high-performance engines.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026
Housing advocates say renters with few affordable alternatives are especially vulnerable to fees that arrive without warning.
—Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Brands are adapting by expanding luxury definitions, offering premium non-alcoholic alternatives, and emphasizing craftsmanship and ritual.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Drivers can also avoid exposure by seeking Turnpike alternatives when driving to or from Miami.
—Allison Beck
june 19, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026
Parents should try to provide fun alternatives to screens, Nagata suggests.
—Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 19 June 2026
At the same time, domestic alternatives like Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited have given players ways to compete and earn money stateside during the offseason, without the wear of international travel or the strain of being away from home for months at a time.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
But as much as YouTube and other platforms offer compelling alternatives for development and distribution, there was a discernable sense among the room of producers, executives, analysts and lawyers that the biggest goal is to achieve meaningful progress in the heart of traditional Hollywood.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 June 2026
Lighter alternatives often fail under the elevated temperatures and pressures of high-performance engines.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026
Housing advocates say renters with few affordable alternatives are especially vulnerable to fees that arrive without warning.
—Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
Noun
-
Click here to learn more about our different membership options.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 June 2026
-
With the price much more affordable, multiple options are therefore available to choose from, and the need for a hedge against inflation pronounced, with the rate at its highest level in more than three years, gold could be the smart and secure investment to consider now.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The breakfast is a memorable buffet with Egyptian and continental choices in Zitouni, and the other restaurants offer distinct cuisines.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
-
In the hot Southern climate, Buffalosun, Cherokee Purple, Stellar, and Pink Delicious are excellent choices.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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