ALTER Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'alter' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of alter are change , modify , and vary . While all these words mean "to make or become different," alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity. // slightly altered the original design

Q: When is it sensible to use 'change' instead of 'alter'?

In some situations, the words change and alter are roughly equivalent. However, change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another. // changed the shirt for a larger size

Q: In what contexts can 'modify' take the place of 'alter'?

The synonyms modify and alter are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose. // modified the building for use by the disabled

Q: When might 'vary' be a better fit than 'alter'?

Although the words vary and alter have much in common, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition. // vary your daily routine

alter

verb

ˈȯl-tər

Definition of alter next

as in to modify

to make different in some way can't you alter your plans just slightly so we can leave 10 minutes earlier?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to fix

to remove the sex organs of contends that cats and dogs that have been altered make better pets

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word alter different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of alter are change, modify, and vary. While all these words mean "to make or become different," alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use change instead of alter?

In some situations, the words change and alter are roughly equivalent. However, change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.

changed the shirt for a larger size

In what contexts can modify take the place of alter?

The synonyms modify and alter are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

When might vary be a better fit than alter?

Although the words vary and alter have much in common, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

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 alter Compensatory picks will alter slots for selections after the third round, though projections do not have the Commanders landing one. —

Ben Standig, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 Altice, similar to other cable distributors, is looking to alter the long-standing regional sports network model as cable TV bundles bleed customers. —

Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025 The flyby is a gravity assist that will save the spacecraft fuel, altering the spacecraft's trajectory into a low energy transfer. —

Andrew Jones, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2025 The long-term ramifications of this power shift could reshape international relations, weaken democratic norms globally, and fundamentally alter the nature of American governance for generations to come. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for alter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter

Verb

Using the gene-editing technique CRISPR, scientists can modify the pig’s DNA.

— Nadia Kounang, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
Based on the series parallel hybrid system used in the Prius, the Subaru version has been modified to work with Subaru's preferred boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD system.

— Aaron Turpen, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025