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 This street corner was forever altered on May 25, 2020, when Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes, suffocating and killing him. —Meg Anderson, NPR, 23 May 2025 Modern technology could alter how parks update — or replace — existing attractions, Speigel said. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025 Also: Glass skin is an unattainable idea, as not even the best prescription retinol on the market can alter the pore size you were born with. 3. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 22 May 2025 Studies have found that emulsifiers can alter the mix of bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome or microbiota; damage the lining of the gastrointestinal tract; and trigger inflammation, potentially contributing to problems elsewhere in the body. —David Hilzenrath, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for alter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter
  1. modify
  2. fix
  3. change
  4. remodel
Verb
  • The order not only modifies key elements of Biden’s January 2025 framework but also signals a broader realignment of federal cybersecurity priorities.
    — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Box frames are less common and usually require your boat’s speaker holes to be modified to fit them.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
Definition of modify
Verb
  • But the systems that seem fixed are actually software that can be rewritten.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Now, many of these properties are uninhabitable shells that owners have no funds to fix and complete.
    — Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
Definition of fix
Verb
  • Part of Madrid’s unique nature is just how quickly things can change.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • The summary will also be updated as new information is added, meaning new replies to the chain may change the summary at the top.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 30 May 2025
Definition of change
Verb
  • During the hiatus, the station was repainted and fitted with new lighting, and its restrooms were fully remodeled with new stalls and water fountains.
    — Vivienne Serret, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
  • In 2021, the company remodeled its flagship Boise store at the corner of 15th and State streets, which was built by Safeway in 1950 with a Marina-style rounded roof.
    — Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 17 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of alter for Spanish Speakers

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