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

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 alter Using Samuel in the backfield altered the 49ers’ trajectory that season. —

Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 11 Dec. 2024 Made from amber, colored glass that actually protects your beer from UV rays (which can alter the taste of alcohol), the growler includes a metal cap, and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. —

Tim Chan, Variety, 10 Dec. 2024 Occasional incorrectly reported, atypical home sales and special circumstances may be listed or alter the average cost per square foot. —

Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2024 However, the rise of stablecoins threatens to fundamentally alter this dynamic. —

Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter

Verb

Perhaps most awaited in this final update is Safehouse Customization, which lets players modify their preferred base, cleaning up debris, building beds, tables and storage, and even picture frames to hang the photos the camera took on the wall.

Jason Bennett, arkansasonline.com, 15 Dec. 2024
Candy-makers have responded by shrinking the size of the products, modifying recipes and leaning heavier into non-chocolate offerings.

Alicia Wallace, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024