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
1
as in alternate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nontraditional
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of alternative
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
Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
Private credit has exploded in popularity among investors, with the market soaring from $1 trillion in 2020 to $1.5 trillion at the beginning of 2024, according to alternative data provider Preqin .
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
Approximately 20 states have recognized the need to explore alternative ways to fund roads and highways that meet the demand of their users.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
Private credit has exploded in popularity among investors, with the market soaring from $1 trillion in 2020 to $1.5 trillion at the beginning of 2024, according to alternative data provider Preqin .
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative
Noun
-
The retailer recently expanded its line-up of cars for sale on its website and now has financing options.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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These days the food hall contains a lovely cheese counter with local and international options, and a fun stand run sells ice cream floats made with buffalo milk soft serve from Double 8 Dairy in Petaluma and seasonal fruit sodas with a kombucha intensity.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In a surprise twist this week, Read added one of the alternate jurors from her first trial to her legal team for the retrial.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2025
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The uniform rule change will allow teams to wear throwback and alternate jerseys more often, another welcome change for fans.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Conditions for media — including cramped, nontraditional seating in a converted luxury suite — would be sticking points.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
With this versatility in mind, color choices range from neutral black to navy, beige, or off-white.—
Jessica Macdonald,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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More than 30 optional accessories are available for all models, including extra batteries, a rear cargo basket and a trailer hitch, and a travel bag.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
31 Mar. 2025
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The experiment failed, largely because paying into the fund was optional, and employers dropped out, often to undercut their competitors.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Turn a Closet into a Book Nook In this bedroom, as well as the other two in the house, Allison made the unconventional decision to remove the closets.—
Amy Panos,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The top sectors were healthcare +2%, discretionary +1.21%, and staples +0.86%, while utilities -0.81%, materials -0.58%, and tech -0.24%.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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Consumer discretionary stocks, which have made up the worst-performing sector so far this year, led the S&P 500 higher for the day.—
Michele Luhn,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
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