ALTERNATIVES Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

alternatives

noun

plural of alternative

as in options

the power, right, or opportunity to choose there's no alternative: we must cross the stream to reach our destination

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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 alternatives Steve Philpott, founder and CEO of Bond-eye, said incorporating natural Merino wool into high-performance swimwear marks a major step towards the brand’s goal of switching to renewable textile alternatives. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 Ripa pointed to planks, Pilates, swimming, yoga and the elliptical as alternatives. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 Developers are more likely to have used alternatives, according to a recent survey. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026 The White House then pivoted weeks later to call for similar measures, suggesting a shift in approach to the growing threat posed by international alternatives. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 Research shows alcohol does not kill bacteria any better than alcohol-free alternatives. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026 This mandated that at least 10% of locally generated, unrestricted revenue be allocated to incarceration alternatives, advancing what was called the county’s Care First, Jails Last vision. — Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Topo Chico is bubbling back onto store shelves after a monthslong absence that left fans of the cult-favorite mineral water scrambling for alternatives. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 Senior living alternatives don’t have to mean leaving home entirely. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives

Noun

The county’s options for the facility range from holding Discovery Place in default and taking over the nature museum to accepting Discovery Place’s terms and giving the organization decades to repay the debt, staff said.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
Argentina’s program is poised to be one of the most popular options on the market, due to the country's comparative proximity to the United States, strong economy, and passport power.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of options

Noun

With many in the party pushing for investigations of potential malfeasance by the administration, party leaders will face tough choices about consequences if those probes do turn up wrongdoing.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Callum whispered his choices and Maya repeated them loudly to the server.

— Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of choices

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alternatively

alternatives

alters

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“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of alternatives

noun

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