alternatives

noun

plural of alternative
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

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 The North American Menopause Society issued a position statement the same year summarizing non-hormonal options, signaling that alternatives could be legitimate paths for symptom relief. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 Generic alternatives beat some of the presidential deals In May, TrumpRx added hundreds of generic drugs available at partners like Cost Plus Drugs and Amazon Pharmacy. — Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 16 July 2026 Significantly, High Plains offered alternatives to more expensive, two-drink-minimum club shows that might scare off casual comedy fans and newcomers to stand-up. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 16 July 2026 The industry is counting on alternatives to lift recycling rates. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 July 2026 Instead, The Hollywood Reporter hosted its inaugural A-List Aesthetics event in Beverly Hills on Wednesday for a day of open discussion about plastic surgery, post-procedure care and knife-free alternatives to maintaining a youthful look. — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026 The lightweight carbon steel body heats water quickly while remaining easier to lift than cast iron alternatives, and the durable porcelain enamel resists rust and scratches. — Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026 Right now, a lot of those clients are looking for custom alternatives to Nvidia. — Kevin Stankiewicz,alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 16 July 2026 Luckily, Amazon is packed with affordable alternatives that capture similar styles and aesthetics. — Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
  1. options
  2. choices
Noun
  • There are also grab-and-go options available as well as a small menu of sandwiches and salads.
    — Connie Ogle July 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • An increasing number of America’s small businesses are abandoning traditional health benefits completely, forcing workers to find alternative options.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 16 July 2026
Definition of options
Noun
  • Missing clubs, a broken hand, immense shame and embarrassment for a life’s worth of selfish choices — nothing can keep him off the course.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
  • Parenting advice has changed so much in even the last two decades that folks from older generations who raised seemingly healthy kids might feel left behind, embarrassed by their outdated opinions, or defensive of their own parenting choices.
    — Parents, Parents, 16 July 2026
Definition of choices

Browse Nearby Words

alternatively
alternatives
alters
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Cite this Entry

“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alternatives

Nglish: Translation of alternatives for Spanish Speakers

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