alter

verb

ˈȯl-tər How to pronounce alter (audio)
Definition of alternext
1
as in to modify
to make different in some way can't you alter your plans just slightly so we can leave 10 minutes earlier?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to fix
to remove the sex organs of contends that cats and dogs that have been altered make better pets

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word alter different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of alter are change, modify, and vary. While all these words mean "to make or become different," alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use change instead of alter?

In some situations, the words change and alter are roughly equivalent. However, change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.

changed the shirt for a larger size

In what contexts can modify take the place of alter?

The synonyms modify and alter are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

When might vary be a better fit than alter?

Although the words vary and alter have much in common, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

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 alter Volcanic ash alters the acidity of soil and introduces harmful elements such as arsenic and sulfur into the environment. —David Kitchen, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025 Those offer essentially unrestricted permission to read, copy and alter data, according to Berulis' disclosure to Congress. —Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 15 Apr. 2025 Hugill said the pipeline of upcoming deals demonstrates that Wheelhouse is embracing the creator economy, which has been altered forever by Mr Beast and his Beast Games Amazon series. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025 The team altered the model to avoid this step, looping the hidden state directly back to input embeddings, which again pass through the transformer’s layers. —Anil Ananthaswamy, Quanta Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter
  1. modify
  2. fix
  3. change
  4. remodel
Verb
  • Limits: Programming subject to blackout restrictions All offers, programming, promotions, pricing, terms, restrictions & conditions subject to change & may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice.
    — Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 19 Apr. 2025
  • FedEx will be open on Good Friday, but some of its services might be modified, according to a 2025 holiday calendar sent to Newsweek.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of modify
Verb
  • To fix a bland soup, try reducing the liquid, adding more seasoning, or mixing in an acid like lemon juice or vinegar.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Other ways to fix bland soup include adding umami, fat, or sweetness.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of fix
Verb
  • Wade spoke passionately about his love for Marquette and how the school had changed his life.
    — D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The 20-course omakase will change seasonally and feature ingredients that Toshi forages locally.
    — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of change
Verb
  • According to local reports, it had been remodeled several times to update its dance floor, ambiance, lights and sound.
    — Griselda Flores, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The proposal would remodel and add to a vacant 3,500-square-foot two-story house at 625 Wrelton Drive in Bird Rock, facing Tourmaline Beach.
    — Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of remodel

Phrases Containing alter

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altars
alter
alterable
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Cite this Entry

“Alter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alter. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of alter for Spanish Speakers

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