alteration

noun

al·​ter·​a·​tion ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce alteration (audio)
plural alterations
Synonyms of alterationnext
1
: the act or process of altering something
The dress needs alteration for a proper fit.
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of changing or altering something: such as
a
: a change made in fitting a garment
no charge for alterations
b
: a change in a legal instrument that alters its legal effect
She made some alterations to her will.
c
: a mineral that has been altered by a chemical process : metasomatism

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of alteration in a Sentence

the alteration of the pattern They did a good job on the dress alteration. He made alterations in his will.
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.
Despite these complications, the uranium isotope variations in shark teeth are comparable to those found in marine carbonates, suggesting that some samples — those with minimal diagenetic alteration — could still provide useful insights into ancient ocean conditions! — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 In addition to the aforementioned considerations about rebuilding, some residents who are moving ahead complained about bureaucratic delays, saying their plans have been kicked back, sometimes repeatedly, with demands for alterations. — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 Data from the spring training test could cause MLB to make alterations to the system for Triple-A games this season. — Ronald Blum, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 2025 Here's where the emphasis on systems change is correct: market signals are muted by policies in need of alteration. — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alteration

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alteracioun "change, transformation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French alteracion, borrowed from Medieval Latin alterātiōn-, alterātiō, from Late Latin alterāre "to change, alter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alteration was in the 14th century

Rhymes for alteration

See All Rhymes for alteration

Browse Nearby Words

alteration
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

alteration

noun
al·​ter·​ation ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce alteration (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of altering
b
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of altering : modification

More from Merriam-Webster on alteration

Nglish: Translation of alteration for Spanish Speakers

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Words You Always Have to Look Up
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Superb Owl Words

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things
See More

Popular Features

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

9 Superb Owl Words

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
girl-pencil-test
Challenging Standardized Test Words Quiz Vol. 3 You’re on your own for the math section.
See All