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
Initial estimates put repair pricetag at about $400,000, leading the Riverwalk Commission and the now-defunct Exchange Club of Naperville to consider alternatives, including converting the fountain into a static art installation or creating a more natural water feature with plantings.
—
Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Others who didn’t have alternatives tried to stay away from the system at night.
—Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Warren knew something was up when Bianchi started leaving early or would offer alternatives.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
The viral social media content around food safety is not just creating awareness but also providing alternatives, and that's something large consumer product companies will be closely watching.
—Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 May 2026
Although ocean carriers are pursuing more landside alternatives, vessels trapped in the Persian Gulf could soon catch a break.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Sometimes that involves assisting the parents to understand all the alternatives available to them for the benefit of their child and assure that the school district is making all available alternatives available and understood by the parent(s).
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
But American alternatives to Chinese firms are few and far between.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 7 May 2026
Their alternatives were a spot start from right-hander Trevor McDonald, their 27th man for the doubleheader, or a bullpen game.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Others who didn’t have alternatives tried to stay away from the system at night.
—Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Warren knew something was up when Bianchi started leaving early or would offer alternatives.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
The viral social media content around food safety is not just creating awareness but also providing alternatives, and that's something large consumer product companies will be closely watching.
—Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 May 2026
Although ocean carriers are pursuing more landside alternatives, vessels trapped in the Persian Gulf could soon catch a break.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Sometimes that involves assisting the parents to understand all the alternatives available to them for the benefit of their child and assure that the school district is making all available alternatives available and understood by the parent(s).
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
But American alternatives to Chinese firms are few and far between.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 7 May 2026
Their alternatives were a spot start from right-hander Trevor McDonald, their 27th man for the doubleheader, or a bullpen game.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
Noun
-
Montreal’s five dangerous options on its top unit will be a mighty challenge for the Sabres’ penalty kill.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Paul and Barlow spent several minutes in the second half playing in the frontcourt, giving Nurse options to switch seamlessly while playing small when other Sixers bigs dealt with foul trouble.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
7 May 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 10 May. 2026.
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