alternative 1 of 2

noun

Definition of alternativenext
as in option
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

alternative

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in alternate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nontraditional

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun alternative contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alternative are choice, election, option, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When can choice be used instead of alternative?

The words choice and alternative are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

In what contexts can election take the place of alternative?

The synonyms election and alternative are sometimes interchangeable, but election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When is option a more appropriate choice than alternative?

The meanings of option and alternative largely overlap; however, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When would preference be a good substitute for alternative?

While in some cases nearly identical to alternative, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

Where would selection be a reasonable alternative to alternative?

The words selection and alternative can be used in similar contexts, but selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

Examples 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 alternative
Noun
As many users seek alternatives to X, rival social network Mastodon says that its official app downloads are up 47% on iOS. —Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024 Although Keychain is positioned as an alternative to a dedicated password manager, Apple also offers passwordless Passkeys, but not many companies support the technology. —PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
One of our testers tried the Puffy Deluxe Comforter, which has a cotton shell and down alternative fill. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 18 Nov. 2024 The company continues to face a going concern uncertainty due to its financial position, with management evaluating alternative financing sources to support the business plan. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alternative 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative
  1. option
  2. alternate
  3. nontraditional
  4. choice
  5. optional
  6. unconventional
  7. discretionary
  8. underground
Noun
  • So, even though you may be tempted to try and reach for yield or higher returns elsewhere (like in the stock market), sticking with one of the aforementioned types of investment vehicles continues to be the best option.
    Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
  • An even safer option is to paint or draw on pumpkins instead of carving them.
    Sarah Darby, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Definition of option
Adjective
  • Repeat process with remaining squares to create 4 rows of 14 (alternate directions with rows, if desired).
    Julia Levy, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Should a member miss a session, an alternate takes their place.
    Nate Chute, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Definition of alternate
Adjective
  • Another important step is investing in and driving education and training through both traditional and nontraditional channels, modernizing licensing and competency assessment for all roles.
    Theodore Chien, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Along with traditional trade apprenticeships, SCC is pushing to offer nontraditional apprenticeships, those in occupations that don’t involve partnerships with trade organizations.
    Contributing Writer, Orange County Register, 29 Oct. 2024
Definition of nontraditional
Noun
  • Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices, and cotton offers a sustainability story.
    Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Terrain also influences building practices and materials choices across regions.
    Cassi Hallam, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Definition of choice
Adjective
  • There are also puddle lamps, an optional tow hook, and, of course, special Manthey branding.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The backlash pushed Gauthier to respond directly in a blog post, stressing that Recover was completely optional and promising to speed up plans to make Ledger’s software code open for public review.
    Nina Bambysheva, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Definition of optional
Adjective
  • This unconventional column is based on value pluralism — the idea that each of us has multiple values that are equally valid but that often conflict with each other.
    Sigal Samuel, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024
  • Reisman was known to be unconventional in the sport, yet won two U.S. Men’s Singles Championships in 1958 and 1960 and more than 20 international and national titles.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
Definition of unconventional
Adjective
  • Executives said during the previous quarter that discretionary spending in categories like apparel and beauty saw growth, thanks in part to the price cuts.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Even if all discretionary spending was eliminated, reaching $2 trillion would require an additional $300 billion in cuts to programs that are required to be funded by law.
    Mike Patton, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Definition of discretionary
Adjective
  • Both lily turf and Natal lily spread by underground rhizomes so their territory in the garden will expand from year to year.
    Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024
  • De Menezes was on his way to repair a broken fire alarm when he was shot and killed in an underground carriage at Stockwell station.
    Irenie Forshaw, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024
Definition of underground

Thesaurus Entries Near alternative

alternating

alternative

alternatively

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alternative

Nglish: Translation of alternative for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of alternative for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alternative

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