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

Example 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 Occasional incorrectly reported, atypical home sales and special circumstances may be listed or alter the average cost per square foot. —

Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025 That morning’s find altered the destiny of California. —

Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025 Somewhat confusingly, the European models have altered specs from their Asian counterparts — the Pro Plus 5G has completely different cameras and battery, for example — which isn’t uncommon for Redmi. —

Dominic Preston, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2025 The 2020 pandemic season, when all games were basically played on a neutral field, significantly altered the data. —

Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for alter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter

Verb

This requirement will force health care providers to either significantly modify their services or seek alternative funding sources, potentially creating gaps in essential health services in vulnerable communities.

— Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025
Here are the materials and steps for staking citrus trees with a three-stake system, but which can be modified to suit your specific tree and growing conditions.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2025