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
Two of the most important alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz are Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, which terminates at the Red Sea port of Yanbu, and the United Arab Emirates' ADCOP pipeline, which feeds the export terminal at Fujairah, according to Kpler.
—
Victor Ordonez, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Back then, countries found alternatives like increasing imports from the Middle East, according to Máximo Torero, the chief economist for the United Nations Food and Agriculture organization.
—Fatma Tanis, NPR, 20 Mar. 2026
But there have been notable developments creating viable alternatives to lab animals in recent years.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
Rising oil costs have narrowed the premium for biodiesel feedstocks over traditional, fossil alternatives, improving biofuel production margins.
—Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Napoli described scenes of travelers scrambling for alternatives, such as driving for hours to reach operational airports in neighboring countries.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
Concerns about Acuff’s defense and his ceiling – he’s considered the most NBA-ready of the point guards – means the Mavs will consider alternatives, as well.
—Kevin Sherrington
mar. 19, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
These alternatives are often more effective at reducing recidivism and less costly than secure confinement.
—Jeffrey Shook, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
Experts recommend people taking compounded tirzepatide talk with their doctor about alternatives, including brand name drugs that may now be more affordable.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Victor Ordonez, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Back then, countries found alternatives like increasing imports from the Middle East, according to Máximo Torero, the chief economist for the United Nations Food and Agriculture organization.
—Fatma Tanis, NPR, 20 Mar. 2026
But there have been notable developments creating viable alternatives to lab animals in recent years.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
Rising oil costs have narrowed the premium for biodiesel feedstocks over traditional, fossil alternatives, improving biofuel production margins.
—Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Napoli described scenes of travelers scrambling for alternatives, such as driving for hours to reach operational airports in neighboring countries.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
Concerns about Acuff’s defense and his ceiling – he’s considered the most NBA-ready of the point guards – means the Mavs will consider alternatives, as well.
—Kevin Sherrington
mar. 19, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
These alternatives are often more effective at reducing recidivism and less costly than secure confinement.
—Jeffrey Shook, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
Experts recommend people taking compounded tirzepatide talk with their doctor about alternatives, including brand name drugs that may now be more affordable.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
Noun
-
New food options at the Charlotte ballpark Charlotte Knights executive chef Jamerius Sims is a creative mastermind.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The grand jury had the options of handing up an indictment, declining to indict and issuing a report known as a presentment.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The game honors the weight of player choices from the original, allowing players to define whether Chloe survived the storm in Arcadia Bay and the nature of their relationship — whether friends or lovers.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Pisces February 19 – March 20 Pisces, your sensitivity guides smart choices.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
