ALTERNATIVE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'alternative' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alternative are choice , election , option , preference , and selection . While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility. // equally attractive alternatives

Q: When can 'choice' be used instead of 'alternative'?

The words choice and alternative are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely. // freedom of choice

Q: In what contexts can 'election' take the place of 'alternative'?

The synonyms election and alternative are sometimes interchangeable, but election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment. // doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Q: When is 'option' a more appropriate choice than 'alternative'?

The meanings of option and alternative largely overlap; however, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed. // the option of paying now or later

Q: When would 'preference' be a good substitute for 'alternative'?

While in some cases nearly identical to alternative , preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections. // a preference for cool weather

Q: Where would 'selection' be a reasonable alternative to 'alternative'?

The words selection and alternative can be used in similar contexts, but selection implies a range of choice. // a varied selection of furniture

alternative 1 of 2

noun

Definition of alternative next

as in option

the power, right, or opportunity to choose there's no alternative: we must cross the stream to reach our destination

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alternative

2 of 2

adjective

as in alternate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nontraditional

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun alternative contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alternative are choice, election, option, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When can choice be used instead of alternative?

The words choice and alternative are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

In what contexts can election take the place of alternative?

The synonyms election and alternative are sometimes interchangeable, but election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When is option a more appropriate choice than alternative?

The meanings of option and alternative largely overlap; however, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When would preference be a good substitute for alternative?

While in some cases nearly identical to alternative, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

Where would selection be a reasonable alternative to alternative?

The words selection and alternative can be used in similar contexts, but selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

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 alternative

Noun

Sanders' main challenger, 62-year-old Gerald Malloy, is positioning himself as a fresh alternative to the senior senator. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Looking to the future, critical reforms must be considered, including same-day counting, voter ID cards, and alternatives to the Electoral College. —

Chris Jackson, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024

Adjective

However, the negative effects of rain can be mitigated by alternative voting methods such as mail-in ballots and early voting, according to another study conducted this year. —

Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Nov. 2024 Trending Stories The technology and alternative infrastructure to make this a reality already exist — but just in parts. —

Dustin Eide, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alternative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative

Noun

The company continues to explore potential strategic transactions, including acquisitions and strategic options involving its subsidiaries.

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Frankly, this option should be baked into the cost, just like the webcam improvements.

PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024