Synonyms of alter

alter

verb

ˈȯl-tər 

1

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

• modify
• change
• remodel
• transform
• rework
• revise
• recast
• remake
• refashion
• vary
• redo
• revamp
• deform
• make over
• mutate
• metamorphose
• revolutionize
• transmute
• transfigure
• exchange
• convert
• regenerate
• retool
• commute
• rejigger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• set
• fix
• stabilize
• freeze

2

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

• fix
• neuter
• sterilize
• emasculate
• desex
• castrate
• geld
• spay

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 of alter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pruning is defined as the manual removal of branches to alter a plant’s health and form. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2024

A day that shocked the world Images of the 9/11 attacks remains indelible, even as Wednesday marks 23 years since a cloudless morning in New York became a nightmare that shook this country to the core and altered the fate of millions around the world. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024

Open-mindedness, flexibility, and trust in life are necessary at this time, as our plans could change radically and unexpectedly, then be altered again as Mercury is in retrograde. —Marie Bladt, Vogue, 19 Aug. 2024

The protesters have battled with Chicago city officials over permits, seeking to get closer to the convention grounds, though a federal judge ruled last week in favor of officials, altering the route of which protest organizers sought to obtain permission. —Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Aug. 2024

Phrases Containing alter

• alter ego