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
Primm, Nevada, was once home to three bustling properties long viewed as affordable alternatives to Las Vegas, just across the California-Nevada border.
—
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
PlantSwitch, a startup that makes compostable alternatives to traditional plastic food-service products, has convinced the 70,000-seat Los Angeles venue to rethink where all that waste ends up.
—Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Another option, of course, is to pursue alternatives to driving.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 22 May 2026
That’s helped fuel interest in alternatives like silicone straws, silicone baby bottles, reusable silicone storage bags and silicone baking mats.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Many of Rio’s showiest restaurants are close by with tropical classic Zazá Bistrôt and Japanese Suibi close alternatives to the in-house Quitéria.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Exemptions include leather, shearling and hides from animals raised primarily for the food industry, as well as vintage fur, Indigenous subsistence hunting practices and synthetic fur alternatives.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Jolie and Rorra are solid alternatives with independent testing data, though neither holds full NSF certification.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Here's what to do with your mail when away, some trusty delivery alternatives, and best protect your home.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 May 2026
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
PlantSwitch, a startup that makes compostable alternatives to traditional plastic food-service products, has convinced the 70,000-seat Los Angeles venue to rethink where all that waste ends up.
—Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Another option, of course, is to pursue alternatives to driving.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 22 May 2026
That’s helped fuel interest in alternatives like silicone straws, silicone baby bottles, reusable silicone storage bags and silicone baking mats.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Many of Rio’s showiest restaurants are close by with tropical classic Zazá Bistrôt and Japanese Suibi close alternatives to the in-house Quitéria.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Exemptions include leather, shearling and hides from animals raised primarily for the food industry, as well as vintage fur, Indigenous subsistence hunting practices and synthetic fur alternatives.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Jolie and Rorra are solid alternatives with independent testing data, though neither holds full NSF certification.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Here's what to do with your mail when away, some trusty delivery alternatives, and best protect your home.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
Noun
-
There’s endless amounts of possibilities and options for a guy going into free agency.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
Within, clients will have the opportunity to select from over 1,000 fabrics, 25 options for collars and cuffs and 20 varieties of monogram and will have 18 body measurements taken to develop their custom paper pattern.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
This is not so much an attempt at finding exact parallels between Saunders literary choices and our audio ones, but of using his methods to find deeper layers of meaning.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
With a consistent style that was innate, not invented, Herman inspired many Ron Herman shoppers with their own fashion choices.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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