Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

alter

[awl-ter] / ˈɔl tər /




Usage

What is another way to say alter? To alter is to make some partial change, as in appearance, while still preserving the identity: to alter a dress, as by raising the hem (to change a dress would mean to put on a different one). To change is to make a material difference so that something is distinctly different from what it was: to change one's opinion. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

But the appeals court found the states had shown they were already facing immediate consequences from the directive, including deadlines requiring them to alter election procedures and coordinate with federal agencies before the November elections.

From Salon Jul. 26, 2026

So it was very easy for him to become my alter ego.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 23, 2026

Her ruling doesn’t alter the no-audit promise, but she said the acquiescence to it by Bisignano and others was “wholly incompatible” with their duties “to enforce the law and protect the public interest.”

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 21, 2026

Oxygen loss can reduce or relocate their prey, damage habitats and alter the food webs they depend on.

From Science Daily Jul. 20, 2026

Harold Puthoff, the director of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Austin, Texas, believes that a quantum sail would simply alter the properties of the vacuum.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

The change significantly alters the players’ preparation, starting with meal times, Aguirre told Mexican radio.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 3, 2026

"By reducing both inflammation and pain, GAE with resorbable microspheres may be the first procedure that alters the course of the disease, slowing its progression."

From Science Daily Jun. 17, 2026

Moreover, the repeal of this rule substantially alters settlement dynamics.

From MarketWatch Jun. 17, 2026

There is a serious debate to be had about whether fears of causing offence or being accused of prejudice alters behaviour, particularly in the public services on which we all rely.

From BBC Jun. 6, 2026

“But surely it alters them very much, living like that?” asked Dandelion.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

These can include repetitive behavior, challenges with social interaction, enlarged brain growth, and altered sensory processing that persists later in life.

From Science Daily Jul. 25, 2026

Once in place, the levies can remain indefinitely and be unilaterally altered by the president.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 23, 2026

That policy has not been altered by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was notified last week that a decision had been taken to extend the agreement with the US.

From BBC Jul. 23, 2026

It also altered the structure and chemistry of the oceanic plate beneath it.

From Science Daily Jul. 18, 2026

He had altered his voice, I noticed, making it weak and quavery while he uttered his singsong plea: “Take pity on an orphan child, take pity...”

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya

The debate is not about whether AI is real or whether it’s reshaping the U.S. economy by fundamentally altering corporate productivity, capital allocation and the labor market.

From MarketWatch Jul. 20, 2026

Through photosynthesis, they would begin the extremely slow process of altering the planet's atmosphere.

From Science Daily Jul. 17, 2026

They have known for decades that climate change is altering the frequency and intensity of several types of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, heat waves and extreme rainfall.

From Barron's Jul. 16, 2026

The human urge to build right to the shoreline — whether it’s the coastal highway or a bluff-top home — also affects erosion by altering water drainage and adding weight to the cliff.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 14, 2026

She had a lucrative side business as a Tailor, seeing to the wrinkles and jowls of the wealthy Kerch, but her chief source of income came from altering moods.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo




Vocabulary lists containing alter


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training