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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
While Lamar alternated from a mostly camo fit, putting his jacket on and off, SZA was in full starlet mode, with four different outfits. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025 Even so, starting in 1959, that organization forced it to alternate each year with the Moscow International Film Festival. Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
Adjective
There’s an alternate timeline where Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell come good in a United shirt. Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Along with making the tracks safer, the alternate route is intended to reduce travel times and increase passengers and cargo. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
Noun
Audiences can see it, for example, in the closing number of the first act, when the cast alternates between being one set of characters in a nightclub and another in a submarine. George Etheredge, New York Times, 12 May 2025 After several hours of questioning, the parties by Friday evening selected 12 jurors and 4 alternates. Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternate
Verb
  • When Malene Barnett was eight years old, her third-grade art teacher forbade her from mixing paints to match the rich chocolate-brown skin tone of her infant cousin.
    Byron Armstrong, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • In one bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Cream and mix the wet ingredients.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • More: 'Adult money' and no college debt: Harris and Trump back alternative routes to good jobs Interest continues to grow in vocational and trade programs among young Americans as four-year college enrollments flag.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Ditch denim for these alternative styles that are cooling and so easy to wear to all of your summer activities — especially while many of our picks are going for can’t-beat prices during Memorial Day weekend.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Manufacturers will need to do new studies to show whether seasonal shots still benefit healthy people younger than 65.
    Lauran Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • Shake Shack's seasonal menu launched on May 20 and includes Spicy Fries and a special line-up of frozen custard shakes to sweeten your summer meal.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The information provided here is not legal advice and does not purport to be a substitute for advice of counsel on any specific matter.
    Jonathan Carson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • The time allocated could not be a substitute for instructional time.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Recognizing this reality, Mexico has developed an innovative consular model that combines diplomacy, a humanitarian approach and direct action for the benefit of its population abroad.
    Alicia G Kerber Palma, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • Photo by Eric Lucero Most Popular Denver’s Inside Stories combines the capabilities of a large design firm with the hands-on approach of a smaller studio, giving clients the best of both worlds.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The streamer has greenlit a drama starring Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz and Stephen Graham that tracks the face-off between a homicide detective and a serial killer.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025
  • The song will serve as the opening theme song for Smoke, a series about a detective and an arson investigator in pursuit of a pair of serial arsonists.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • But the reality is that there is no replacement for Pulisic.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • In addition to its larger screen, this adds to the longevity and usefulness of this system as a desktop replacement.
    Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Our testers incorporated the whitening strips into their regular routines for one to three weeks to get a full idea of how well each product held up to their claims.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Here are some additional tips from our experts that incorporate both.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternate. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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