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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in alternate
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in nontraditional
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of alternative
Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
The ruling effectively requires schools to notify parents in advance of any classroom concepts that might be contrary to a particular religion and to accommodate requests to provide alternative instruction.
—ABC News, 11 July 2025
Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025
With both her parents dead, the alternative was to keep making artificial flowers in an apartment shared with older siblings.
—Marcia Biederman, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternative
Noun
The alternative choice would be to test free agency, where Bellinger inked his current, option-heavy, three-year, $80 million contract before the 2024 season.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
The ruling effectively requires schools to notify parents in advance of any classroom concepts that might be contrary to a particular religion and to accommodate requests to provide alternative instruction.
—ABC News, 11 July 2025
Adjective
But the alternative is much worse: a world where the loss of innocent life is treated as inescapable, where no calamity can be prevented or bad situation reformed.
—Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025
With both her parents dead, the alternative was to keep making artificial flowers in an apartment shared with older siblings.
—Marcia Biederman, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative
Noun
-
The combination of limited production capacity and expensive weapons sometimes constrained the government’s options.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
-
The Colorado college town beat out Cincinnati and Salt Lake City after the festival brass started exploring relocation options in 2024, with Boulder chosen for its mountain views reminiscent of Park City’s own as well as its vibrant arts community.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
In its letter to the city announcing the event’s cancellation acquired by the Sentinel, the Rotary asked the City of Maitland to consider allowing the club to use the park for an alternate fundraising activity in the future.—
Zoey Thomas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 July 2025
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Authorized by the Nick Drake Estate and released as a four-LP vinyl edition, the set includes over 30 previously unheard demos, alternate takes and studio outtakes, compiled across three discs.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
5 July 2025
Adjective
-
Hardin County Schools district cancels classes for Monday Hardin County Schools are closed Monday due to flood conditions, district officials announced in a Facebook post, adding there will be no nontraditional instruction for students.—
Keisha Rowe,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
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In fact, a 2023 U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey found that 95% of executives and HR heads say nontraditional candidates perform just as well, if not better than, degree-holders.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
But, for a minimalist, display-worthy option, this one’s a great choice.—
Jamie Fischer,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
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Its delightfully airy open floor plan was a bold choice when it was completed, at a time when contemporary house design favored a maze of walls and rooms.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Once in the main lounge, La Première customers can now book optional suites with a butler, a spacious living room, a bedroom with a double bed, a bathroom, and even an outdoor patio.—
Michele Robson,
Fortune,
5 July 2025
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Inside, a breathable mesh pocket adds room for silverware, snacks, or an optional ice pack, and the gingham print makes lunch feel like a picnic.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Despite financial insecurity, both parents encouraged their daughters to pursue their dreams, however unconventional — their feminist, progressive spirit guided Earhart like a compass.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
-
In advance of this month’s release of the Happy Gilmore 2, Callaway Golf has unveiled a new limited edition Odyssey hockey stick putter and golf balls inspired by the movie, which showcases the return of funnyman Adam Sandler as a failed hockey player turned unconventional golfer.—
Erik Matuszewski,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Domestic revenue saw weakness throughout the quarter due to lower discretionary spending.—
Ankita Dhawan,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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While discretionary spending may decline in bear markets, health care demand remains resilient.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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As originally proposed, the CTA Super Loop running west from North and Clybourn would have merely grazed Lincoln Yards with an underground station at the far southwestern corner of the tract, North and Elston.—
F.K. Plous,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
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There are several places to park for Scottsdale Canal Convergence: Scottsdale Waterfront underground parking garage, 7135 E. Camelback Road.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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