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

Relevance

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
Those with melasma should also consider choosing mineral sun protection (which uses active ingredients titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to reflect the sun’s rays away from skin) over chemical alternatives for their daily sunscreen. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 24 May 2025 As with practically anything in the world that once served a unique purpose, these kitchen items have been updated or replaced with more technologically advanced or easier-to-use alternatives. —Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Adjective
The agency’s client list largely focuses on alternative bands across the rock, punk and metal genres. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025 There are also alternative methods for working with influencers, such as: • Offer hospitality space as a content-creation backdrop. —Emily Reynolds Bergh, Forbes.com, 23 May 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
  • Supporting emails, poems, blog posts, essays, stories, code, and images, Creator Answer offers contextual suggestions and customization options for each type of content.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • One option was to book more celebrities or care about Instagram followers.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 May 2025
Definition of option
Adjective
  • Race organizers partnered with the Waze smartphone app to advise commuters on alternate routes and closures for the weekend.
    — Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
  • The booster packs also have cards geared for collectors such as foils, full bleed art and alternate art options.
    — Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of alternate
Adjective
  • With protections extending to individuals with criminal histories, unstable housing, or nontraditional body types, the city’s latest ordinance makes inclusive hiring a legal mandate.
    — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The nontraditional tour has been widely well-received, though police appeared to shut down an event in Missouri.
    — Micki Fahner, NBC news, 28 May 2025
Definition of nontraditional
Noun
  • Goal of the season This was a choice between Bowen’s superb strike from outside the box against Ipswich and his volley against Forest.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Columnist Jarrett Bell explores the difficult choice.
    — Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Definition of choice
Adjective
  • Inside the cozy cockpit, leather, burl wood, and side curtains with sliding plastic windows take the driver back many decades to a time when radios were an optional nuisance—all that mattered was the vehicle and the road.
    — Robert Ross, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
  • Place the basil leaves (and optional lemon zest) into a clean glass jar.
    — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of optional
Adjective
  • Consider a colleague who presented unconventional ideas in meetings or pursued a less traditional career path.
    — Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Featured prominently on many critics’ best-of-year lists, the book has captivated readers around the world, sparking a cultural dialogue around female desire, aging and unconventional relationships.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Definition of unconventional
Adjective
  • Certainly, this could just be a mini-downturn that could be weathered with a combination of discretionary spending reductions, contingency funds and rainy day funds.
    — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 23 May 2025
  • When asked what types of products are getting hit the hardest, 42% of respondents answering this question said discretionary products, followed by luxury (26%), furniture (19%) and travel (13%).
    — Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 22 May 2025
Definition of discretionary
Adjective
  • The second phase of redevelopment is expected to double the size of the Stockyards, adding three hotels, 300,000 square feet of commercial space, at least 295 units of multifamily housing and two underground parking garages.
    — Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 2025
  • Weather permitting, chefs prepare cochinita pibil, perhaps the most iconic dish of the region, in an underground pit directly on the beach.
    — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 24 May 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 4 Jun. 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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