ALTER Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

alter

verb

ˈȯl-tər

Definition of alter next

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

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 Volcanic eruptions release vast amounts of carbon-dioxide, dust, and sulfur, thereby significantly altering the chemistry of the atmosphere and changing Earth's climate—but in different ways and on different timescales to a meteorite impact. —

David Bressan, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 The drop-off from one of the top two cornerbacks to him has gotten a lot steeper, which could alter offseason plans at the position. —

Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 In that meeting, attended by multiple people involved in the movie as well as Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, Baldoni was allegedly ordered to alter his behavior. —

Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 21 Dec. 2024 These keys are highly resistant to interception because any attempt to eavesdrop on a quantum key transmission will alter the data, alerting both parties to the presence of an intruder. —

John Prisco, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter

Verb

The committee modified rule 11.L.5.b to mandate a replay if the ball hits the net, goes over, and then hits a drooping net that’s laying on the ground.

Todd Boss, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Comprising 42 pairs of chromosomes instead of the original 14, the DNA of modern wheat has been artificially modified.

Marie Bladt, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024