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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alternatives
Instead, officials are exploring alternatives, including processing the fish into animal feed or fertilizer.
—
ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
The stock market has already priced in the reality that Chinese AI, like DeepSeek, is competitive and cheaper to use than US alternatives, so market reaction this time will be limited, Su added.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
Step two requires development of alternatives.
—Norman Siegel, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
The project, which is supported by Kering’s Material Innovation Lab, invited designers to experiment with advance dyeing, washing and regenerative cotton solutions, underscoring water-saving alternatives.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2026
Experts say one of the most common mistakes travelers make is taking the first option without checking alternatives.
—Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Beijing has stepped up efforts to develop its domestic chip industry and reportedly pushed Chinese tech companies to adopt domestic alternatives from chipmakers such as those from Huawei.
—Dylan Butts, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
These may serve as better alternatives for people keeping a close eye on their metabolic health, such as those with diabetes or obesity.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
And with multiple, high-rate alternatives to choose from, it can easily be rectified.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
The stock market has already priced in the reality that Chinese AI, like DeepSeek, is competitive and cheaper to use than US alternatives, so market reaction this time will be limited, Su added.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
Step two requires development of alternatives.
—Norman Siegel, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
The project, which is supported by Kering’s Material Innovation Lab, invited designers to experiment with advance dyeing, washing and regenerative cotton solutions, underscoring water-saving alternatives.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2026
Experts say one of the most common mistakes travelers make is taking the first option without checking alternatives.
—Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Beijing has stepped up efforts to develop its domestic chip industry and reportedly pushed Chinese tech companies to adopt domestic alternatives from chipmakers such as those from Huawei.
—Dylan Butts, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
These may serve as better alternatives for people keeping a close eye on their metabolic health, such as those with diabetes or obesity.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
And with multiple, high-rate alternatives to choose from, it can easily be rectified.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
Noun
-
If no one is giving you money, or loaning you money, or granting you money, well, the options for where a microbudget feature’s money comes from are very few.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Just to jog your memory, the Edit window in Apple’s native Photos app currently offers options like Adjust, Filters, Crop, and Clean Up.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As the Moon moves through your 10th House of Career, your choices set the tone for how others rely on you.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Tierra Reina’s entree choices were Veracruzana or barbacoa, made with beef tongue and cheek.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
