alternative 1 of 2

noun

Definition of alternativenext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alternative

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in alternate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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 alternative
Noun
Drug shortages increase the cost of visiting and operating a hospital, with providers being forced to purchase expensive alternatives to critical medication. —William Jones, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025 Asking for alternatives to these popular models might prove effective at conserving money in the long run. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
In the print world, alternative animal prints are booming. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025 Last November, the Will County Board voted to explore an alternative use plan. —Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative
  1. option
  2. alternate
  3. nontraditional
  4. choice
  5. optional
  6. unconventional
  7. discretionary
  8. underground
Noun
  • Tilt them up for a loveseat, or lay them down flat for more seating options for you and your guests.
    — Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Trusted resale sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats usually have plenty of options (and with surprisingly affordable prices).
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of option
Adjective
  • The film will mark the Marvel Cinematic Universe debut for all of the mutant actors besides Stewart, who briefly appeared in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as an alternate universe version of Xavier.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • After opening statements, the jury of 16, including four alternate jurors, heard from three witnesses: two police officers and a firefighter.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of alternate
Adjective
  • The Changemakers program specifically works in areas like workforce development, entrepreneurship support, and utilizing nontraditional education to tackle the debt crisis that faces a lot of American consumers.
    — Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Conditions for media — including cramped, nontraditional seating in a converted luxury suite — would be sticking points.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of nontraditional
Noun
  • The casting choices might raise a whole host of interesting questions about how this Venice reflects our own time, but Leon doesn’t foreground, or even really acknowledge, them.
    — Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025
  • With a user-friendly interface and rich features, Zoom has been the top choice for video calls.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of choice
Adjective
  • Tornado Cash is comprised of immutable smart contracts and an optional user interface with enhanced privacy features, which the DOJ claims the developers controlled.
    — Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The other three graduated and were on optional practical training (OPT).
    — Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of optional
Adjective
  • These unconventional or niche markets—whether they’re built around specific lifestyles, cultural shifts, unique services, or underserved consumer segments—can offer less competition, more loyal customers, and a sharper opportunity to stand out.
    — Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Following the unconventional release of latest album Bully, the artist formerly known as Kanye West has dropped the potential tracklist for his next body of work, WW3.
    — Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of unconventional
Adjective
  • Homeowners are increasingly forced to cut back on discretionary spending or dip into savings just to keep up with the costs of staying put.
    — Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • That a majority of this court now rewards the government for its behavior with discretionary equitable relief is indefensible.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of discretionary
Adjective
  • Access is another issue: The chief noted that the department had even faced blazes in underground storm drains.
    — Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In closed briefings, Pentagon officials have acknowledged that there has been only limited success in destroying the Houthis’ vast, largely underground arsenal of missiles, drones and launchers, according to congressional aides and allies.
    — Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of underground

Browse Nearby Words

alternating
alternative
alternatively
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Cite this Entry

“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alternative

Nglish: Translation of alternative for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alternative

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