alternate 1 of 3

as in to mix
to place or do (different things) so that one follows the other in a repeated series To make the appetizer, you should alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese. The poem alternates fear and hope.

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alternate

2 of 3

adjective

alternate

3 of 3

noun

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 alternate
Verb
Bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of depression and mania, a state where thoughts race, impulsive decisions feel logical, and sleep becomes almost optional. Essence, 23 Oct. 2025 Creative thought relies on the brain’s ability to alternate between spontaneous idea generation and deliberate evaluation. Big Think, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Such grotesque accounts are part of alternate histories that hegemonic discourse attempted to erase. JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025 Of course, the only person who can save the town is the bumbling Ernest and his arsenal of alternate personalities, like Auntie Edna, Bunny Jeanette and even Genghis Khan. Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
Sophie Segreti Sophie, a strategy associate in New York City, was determined to make the most of her Survivor experience after being cast as an alternate and not being able to compete on season 48. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025 Abell, 31, made the team as an alternate in 2024, and then Massucci, 35, made the team as an alternate this year. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternate
Verb
  • Monroe’s directions call for mixing in the onions and celery raw.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Add the flour and mix on low until the dough mostly comes together into a dry ball, about 3 minutes.
    Katie Parla, Saveur, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • If traditional evergreens and spruce needles aren’t your thing, opt for an alternative garland instead.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025
  • There are alternative sources for jobs data, such as ADP’s private-sector payrolls and proxies produced by the Chicago Fed, which Goolsbee oversees, but few good ways to track consumer prices.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • More physical defenses, a bigger stockpile of spare parts, greater grid transmission capacity from Europe, and backup supplies of natural gas are all urgently needed, the IEA said in an analysis of Ukraine’s readiness this week.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Despite Ravnik's previous role as one of Swift's own backup dancers on her Eras Tour, the couple did not make it out of week seven safely.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Next door is the library, where comic books, playful objects, and traditional French board games are displayed next to a seasonal display of Longchamp’s classic Le Pliage bag.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Researchers plan to conduct a detailed survey to confirm whether these orcas regularly hunt white sharks or only exploit seasonal surges of juveniles.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • In Normal, Odenkirk plays an unassuming substitute sheriff with a troubled past who, after moving to a small, sleepy town, responds to a bank robbery and unknowingly uncovers something far more explosive.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Do not take this as a substitute for sitting down with someone in a white coat to tell you what’s what.
    Quispe López, Them., 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For example, Swan Lake, created with Jacki Apple, combines a film noir murder trope with the glitzy alluring language of high-end advertising.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • After Chloe Tryon dismissed Mandhana in the 18th over, Verma combined with Jemimah Rodrigues (24) to add a further 62 before both were out.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The deputy was seen on video struggling through makeshift barricades of mattresses and furniture before confronting Camacho, who was holding the boy in a chokehold with one hand while brandishing a knife in the other.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • With Rico Dowdle starting at running back for the first time since Week 6, Carolina’s offense was able to move the ball effectively on the ground, even with a makeshift offensive line missing multiple starters.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Putin also said that Russia has begun serial production of the Oreshnik, another nuclear-capable missile.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Project partner John, whose clients have included Joel Kinnaman, Robert Davi, Wyclef Jean, Avicii, 50 Cent, Akon and Kelly Gale, came across The Match King while scoping out Swedish stories with international reach and following a conversation with Swedish serial entrepreneur Ash Pournouri.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternate. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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