alteration
noun
al·ter·a·tion
ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən 
plural alterations
1
: the act or process of altering something
The dress needs alteration for a proper fit.
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of changing or altering something: such as
a
: a change made in fitting a garment
no charge for alterations
b
: a change in a legal instrument that alters its legal effect
She made some alterations to her will.
c
: a mineral that has been altered by a chemical process : metasomatism
Examples of alteration in a Sentence
the alteration of the pattern
They did a good job on the dress alteration.
He made alterations in his will.
Recent Examples on the Web
Still, All Stars has gone through some shifts over the years, implementing varying structural alterations to keep its viewers — and nowadays, its queens — coming back for more.
—
Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025
In subsequent years, the facility moved around to various spaces and experienced alterations but remained a compact operation when Torri arrived in 1989 as a part-time employee, two years before being named its director.
—Michael Williams, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2025
Icon members, meanwhile, enjoy those benefits, plus yet more exclusive offers, one yearly coupon for 15% off an entire purchase, and free alterations at Banana Republic.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2025
Most major alterations to a team’s scheme require hours of practice and, oftentimes, different personnel.
—Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alteration
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.
Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025
In subsequent years, the facility moved around to various spaces and experienced alterations but remained a compact operation when Torri arrived in 1989 as a part-time employee, two years before being named its director.
—Michael Williams, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2025
Icon members, meanwhile, enjoy those benefits, plus yet more exclusive offers, one yearly coupon for 15% off an entire purchase, and free alterations at Banana Republic.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2025
Most major alterations to a team’s scheme require hours of practice and, oftentimes, different personnel.
—Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alteration
Cite this Entry
“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alteration
noun
al·ter·ation
ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən
1
a
: the act or process of altering
b
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of altering : modification
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share