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

Relevance

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
The Vatican confirmed that Francis attended Mass with those taking care of him at Gemelli hospital, alternating between rest and prayer. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2025 Others alternate organic fertilizers with fast-release synthetic fertilizers throughout the growing season. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The report reasoned that vehicle traffic over the next 20 years is only going to get worse, so the city should look at alternate ways to move people around. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025 One alternate route is to the west of the Ponquogue Bridge in Quogue, News 12 Long Island reports. Pilar Arias, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
Additionally, the Chiefs had eight alternates selected: quarterback Patrick Mahomes, cornerback Trent McDuffie, linebacker Nick Bolton, fullback Carson Steele, defensive end George Karlaftis, punter Matt Araiza, linebacker Leo Chenal and kicker Harrison Butker. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025 Pro Bowl alternates are yet to be announced, and at the very least, the players whose teams make the Super Bowl will need to be replaced. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternate
Verb
  • Simply mix the lemon and water in the mug, then microwave the mug and mixture for a couple of minutes.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Beard mixed in zone and press in hopes of affecting Florida’s attack.
    Mark Long, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • While some users may switch to alternative search engines in response, most will eventually move on.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The cut is now up to 13 weeks on the alternative roster and 14 frames on the rock-only tally.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Another seasonal collaboration included a Tamagotchi version of their signature Swipe bag.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
  • There are already a number of green energy options available, including solar and wind power, but they are limited by things like capacity issues and seasonal dependence.
    Whitaker Irvin Jr., Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But animals often make poor substitutes for humans.
    Celia Ford, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Think of it as a high-tech sprinkler system: excellent at putting out small fires instantly, but not a substitute for eliminating flammable materials in the first place.
    Michael Roytman, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Global sea ice extent, which combines the sea ice extents of the Arctic and Antarctic, set a new minimum for the month.
    Andrew Freedman, Axios, 6 Mar. 2025
  • That’s partly down to $64 billion in American military assistance and $66 billion provided by all other countries combined, fueling Ukraine’s fighting spirit that confounded predictions of swift Russian victory.
    Artem Grudinin, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Blue Point beach where Perez’s body was found Tuesday is different from Blue Point Beach on Fire Island, where the remains of serial killer victim Karen Vergata were found in 1996.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Since it has been announced that John Lithgow has signed onto Resurrection to voice the younger version of his character, the serial killer Trinity, some fans wondered if that created space for Harris' character.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This buildup can reduce the water pressure, create clogs, or lead to leaks, forcing you to hire a plumber for repairs and replacement jobs.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Such a cost-benefit analysis of whether to accept $9.9 million in 2025-26 dead money plus the cost of a replacement shooter could come down to what is seen from Robinson over the balance of the schedule.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Slowly incorporate physical activity into your life.
    Ashley Olivine, Ph.D., MPH, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025
  • China and Russia recently incorporated interests in Antarctica into their national security strategies, and China has invested in an icebreaker fleet and the construction of satellite ground stations on the continent that could be repurposed for military applications.
    Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alternate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternate. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on alternate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!