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

Synonyms

• change
• difference
• modification
• redoing
• refashioning
• remaking
• remodeling
• revamping
• review
• revise
• revision
• reworking
• variation

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

Epigenetic alteration: This is when environmental factors alter gene function, accelerating skin aging and metabolic issues, Zalzala said. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024

Many of the alterations Couture and Lansing made — like taking down the pink dining room wallpaper — were aesthetic changes to better accommodate their guests. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 7 Nov. 2024

Businesses should set up alerts to monitor for suspicious activity across the spectrum, from logins to policy alterations. —Josh Orrison, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

The alterations between fans and police were captured on video, and clips that have circulated online reveal intense scenes. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alteracioun "change, transformation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French alteracion, borrowed from Medieval Latin alterātiōn-, alterātiō, from Late Latin alterāre "to change, alter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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