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
The menu alterations were caught and court records show that none of the changes ever reached the printing stage.
—
Adeel Hassan, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
In her hands, every alteration is an act of care—a continuation of Black sartorial tradition and a subtle resistance to being forgotten.
—Shelton Boyd-Griffith, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
The outlet reported earlier Wednesday, quoting sources familiar, that the Defense chief ordered alterations for the addition of a makeup studio in a room alongside the Pentagon press briefing room.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
Prior to that alteration of Russian historical memory, only one other Russian head of state had held Ivan in such high esteem: Josef Stalin.
—Dina Khapaeva, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alteration
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Adeel Hassan, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
In her hands, every alteration is an act of care—a continuation of Black sartorial tradition and a subtle resistance to being forgotten.
—Shelton Boyd-Griffith, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
The outlet reported earlier Wednesday, quoting sources familiar, that the Defense chief ordered alterations for the addition of a makeup studio in a room alongside the Pentagon press briefing room.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
Prior to that alteration of Russian historical memory, only one other Russian head of state had held Ivan in such high esteem: Josef Stalin.
—Dina Khapaeva, The Conversation, 22 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 5 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
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