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.
Related Words
Relevance
1
as in alternative
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in backup
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in seasonal
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in substitute
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alternate
Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 11 Sep. 2025
It’s set in the same alternate future where Theodore Roosevelt never broke up America’s monopolies, allowing megacorporations to take over the world and, eventually, the outer reaches of the universe.
—Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025
That error bumped him into the Pinnacle Bank field, while Rayhan Thomas, the rightful first alternate, was left out.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Aug. 2025
Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
The Girlfriend gives itself another problem by alternating between the perspectives of its two main characters.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternate
Verb
Their first book, Manacled, took place in an alternate Harry Potter universe where The Boy Who Lived actually died and evil wizard Voldermort triumphed, according to the Times.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 11 Sep. 2025
It’s set in the same alternate future where Theodore Roosevelt never broke up America’s monopolies, allowing megacorporations to take over the world and, eventually, the outer reaches of the universe.
—Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Olympic alternate Leanne Wong took silver in the all-around and gold on vault, followed by fellow alternate Joscelyn Roberson in third in the all-around and silver on floor.
—Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025
That error bumped him into the Pinnacle Bank field, while Rayhan Thomas, the rightful first alternate, was left out.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Aug. 2025
Noun
With the frequently audible director alternating between frat boy giddiness and genuine concern at Sheen’s antics, the actor appears entirely in control, a product of seven years of professed sobriety.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
The Girlfriend gives itself another problem by alternating between the perspectives of its two main characters.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternate
Verb
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In Otsuki’s collection, elements of the Japanese salaryman mixed with the urbanity of Gere’s Julian Kay create a compelling blend of references that ultimately play to each designer’s strength.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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For bourbon lovers, mix up a Gold Rush (all those recipes are below).—
Brittany Anas,
Denver Post,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Manning was heard on the alternative broadcast saying the Bears should have just kicked it out of bounds.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Global talent pools where diverse voices contribute alternative framings to your toughest challenges.—
David Henkin,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Within 24 to 48 hours of quitting carbs, your glycogen stores—the body's backup energy supply—start to run out.—
Caitlin Pagán,
Verywell Health,
11 Sep. 2025
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Those who only fantasized about positive outcomes showed lower systolic blood pressure than those who visualized success and then thought through potential obstacles and backup plans.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In the East, the northern branch of the jet stream tends to carry faster-moving, less intense storms, which can mean snowfall near or even below average, with temperatures closer to seasonal norms, AccuWeather said.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
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Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley partner JSX offers seasonal semi-private flights into Napa County Airport (APC), which also welcomes private jet arrivals.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The last 11 players on the pitch go into the huddle; the substitutes are not involved, making the circle smaller and ensuring players can hear.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
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The Sacramento River acted as a substitute for the Mississippi River.—
John Turton,
Sacbee.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The scent is smoky yet sweet, spicy yet smooth, dark but with an underlying lightness—the result of combining clean white musk with rose, tobacco, suede, and cumin.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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The country now surpasses the cocaine production of South American countries Peru and Bolivia combined.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In six months, the site has grown from 600 people fleeing gang attacks in nearby Delmas 30 to 5,000 people from all over the capital, sheltering in packed government offices and makeshift shacks.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
15 Sep. 2025
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When the comics got on the makeshift stage, hardly anyone was even looking at us.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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JoJo Simmons grew up in a family with its own reality TV show and has become a serial entrepreneur.—
Tim Brinkhof,
Big Think,
8 Sep. 2025
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Directed by Cho Young-jun and starring Cho Yeo-jeong and Jung Sung-il, the film follows a reporter who agrees to interview a serial killer claiming responsibility for 11 murders.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternate. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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