1
: offering or expressing a choice several alternative plans2
: different from the usual or conventional: such as
a : existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system b : of, relating to, or being rock music that is regarded as an alternative to conventional rock and is typically influenced by punk rock, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk music also : of, relating to, or being music of a genre other than rock that is similarly regarded as an alternative to the conventional music of that genre1
a : a proposition or situation offering a choice between two or more things only one of which may be chosen a government facing the alternative of high taxes or poor highways b : an opportunity for deciding between two or more courses or propositions the alternative of going by train or by plane2
a : one of two or more things, courses, or propositions to be chosen The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives. b : something which can be chosen instead The only alternative to intervention.Choose the Right Synonym for alternative
option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.
the option of paying now or later
alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.
equally attractive alternatives
preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.
a preference for cool weather
selection implies a range of choice.
a varied selection of furniture
election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.
doing a tax return forces certain elections on you
Examples of alternative in a SentenceAdjective Scientists are developing an alternative approach to treating the disease. He developed an alternative design for the new engine. Noun We decided to leave since our only other alternative was to wait in the rain. I was offered no alternative. The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives.
Recent Examples on the Web 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.Adjective
The company also emailed developers about the changes, which include removing the limitation on alternative payment methods and removing the restriction on devs not being able to highlight other options. —James Peckham, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025 Lunges are another alternative exercise that will similarly work the area. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 May 2025Noun
For anyone who's been dreaming of a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-esque Greece getaway, Tarpon Springs is your stateside alternative that won't break the bank. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 May 2025 But there is a reason why Maresca sees Lavia as an ideal partner for Caicedo, rather than as a viable alternative to the Ecuador international. —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternative Word HistoryEtymology
Adjective
borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French alternatif "occurring by turns, alternating," borrowed from Medieval Latin alternātīvus, from Latin alternātus, past participle of alternāre "to ebb and flow, act in alternation, arrange in alternating order" + -īvus -ive — more at alternate entry 1
Noun
borrowed from French & Medieval Latin; French alternative, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin alternātīva, noun derivative from feminine of alternātīvus "occurring by turns" — more at alternative entry 1
First Known Use
Adjective
1540, in the meaning defined at sense 3
Noun
1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of alternative was in 1540 Cite this Entry“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
More from Merriam-Webster on alternative Last Updated: 5 May 2025 - Updated example sentencesLove words? Need even more definitions?
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