al·ter·na·tive
ȯl-ˈtər-nə-tiv 
al-
1
: offering or expressing a choice
several alternative plans
2
: different from the usual or conventional: such as
a
: existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system
an alternative newspaper
alternative lifestyles
b
: of, relating to, or being rock music that is regarded as an alternative to conventional rock and is typically influenced by punk rock, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk music
an alternative band
also
: of, relating to, or being music of a genre other than rock that is similarly regarded as an alternative to the conventional music of that genre
alternative country
c
: of or relating to alternative medicine
alternative therapies
3
: occurring or succeeding by turns : alternate sense 1
alternatively
adverb
alternativeness
noun
1
a
: a proposition or situation offering a choice between two or more things only one of which may be chosen
a government facing the alternative of high taxes or poor highways
b
: an opportunity for deciding between two or more courses or propositions
the alternative of going by train or by plane
2
a
: one of two or more things, courses, or propositions to be chosen
The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives.
b
: something which can be chosen instead
The only alternative to intervention.
3
: alternative rock music
a fan of alternative
Synonyms
Examples of alternative in a Sentence
Adjective
Scientists are developing an alternative approach to treating the disease.
He developed an alternative design for the new engine.
Noun
We decided to leave since our only other alternative was to wait in the rain.
I was offered no alternative.
The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives.
Recent Examples on the Web
Matt Craig, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The alternative rockers will headline the Big Gig's BMO Pavilion stage on June 27, fest officials revealed Monday — a show that's likely to include new songs from the group's forthcoming album.
—Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
There are certainly alternatives to chlorine and chloramines, which come with their own benefits and detriments: many European countries disinfect their water with ozone, and McCurry says that another option is the use of UV light.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alternative 
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.
Adjective
Even with one of the biggest portfolios in the space—which also includes the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns as well as the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, plus alternative language broadcasts for the Los Angeles Clippers—Forbes estimates Kiswe’s revenue to be less than $10 million.
—Matt Craig, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The alternative rockers will headline the Big Gig's BMO Pavilion stage on June 27, fest officials revealed Monday — a show that's likely to include new songs from the group's forthcoming album.
—Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
But a new, Republican president might offer another alternative: a pardon.
—Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
There are certainly alternatives to chlorine and chloramines, which come with their own benefits and detriments: many European countries disinfect their water with ozone, and McCurry says that another option is the use of UV light.
—Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alternative
Articles Related to alternative
Dictionary Entries Near alternative
Cite this Entry
“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alternative
1 of 2 adjective
al·ter·na·tive
ȯl-ˈtər-nət-iv
also al-
1
: offering or expressing a choice
alternative plans
2
: being one of the things between which a choice is to be made : alternate
an alternative route
alternatively
adverb
alternativeness
noun
alternative
2 of 2 noun1
: a chance to choose between two or more things only one of which may be chosen
the alternative of going by bus or car
2
: one of the things between which a choice is to be made
Medical Definition
alternative
adjective
al·ter·na·tive
ȯl-ˈtər-nət-iv, al-
: of, relating to, or based on alternative medicine
alternative therapies
Legal Definition
alternative
1 of 2 adjective
al·ter·na·tive
ȯl-ˈtər-nə-tiv, al-
2
: offering or expressing a choice
an alternative contract
see also alternative pleading at pleading sense 1b
3
: existing or functioning outside the established system
also
: different from the usual or conventional
alternative sentencing
alternative
2 of 2 noun1
: a proposition or situation offering a choice between two or more things only one of which may be chosen
2
a
: one of two or more things, courses, or propositions to be chosen
b
: something which can be chosen instead
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share