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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:

He was going to fundamentally alter how he stood at the plate.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 2, 2026

Hoagland regularly visits the White House to view and study its historic architecture, and she says the ballroom will alter the very thing she goes there to experience.

From Slate Sep. 1, 2026

Whether Saturday's events alter the balance of power in the Niger-Russia relationship is another matter.

From Barron's Sep. 1, 2026

A statistical pattern by itself is not a good enough reason to alter your portfolio.

From MarketWatch Aug. 31, 2026

“And Not Getting the Uniform Right—nay hair’s always too long, you’re not allowed to alter the coat so it’s always too big, things like that. And: Southerners laughing at my accent.”

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

"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

Much will come out in the exchanges between the accidental roommates that alters our perceptions of both, as well as our view of those offstage personages, living and dead.

From The Wall Street Journal May 28, 2026

“The transmitter and the liquid that induces the simulation. The transmitter communicates information to the brain from the computer, and vice versa, and the liquid alters the brain to put it in a simulation state.”

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

The change comes after Microsoft previously altered its reporting categories in late 2024.

From MarketWatch Sep. 3, 2026

In many cases, the RNA errors altered molecular instructions that tell proteins where inside the cell they need to go.

From Science Daily Aug. 31, 2026

Landscapes will also be altered as the climate of many American and European cities comes to resemble cities hundreds of miles south.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 31, 2026

The California attorney general has also issued a warning to parents, and retailers, that bicycles that are altered to exceed state limitations are no longer considered legal to ride on the streets.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 27, 2026

Figure 5.31: There is some variation in the chord symbols for altered chords.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Scientists say the warming climate is already altering the risks facing the Himalayan region.

From Barron's Sep. 3, 2026

People across income brackets are still traveling, but many are altering their behaviors to make vacations fit into their budget, Wynn says.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 28, 2026

New research suggests the gene variant may begin altering brain activity well before memory problems become noticeable.

From Science Daily Aug. 23, 2026

He said what happened with Afropunk is “a tale as old as time” and Morgan being outside of the movement led to “moneyed interests” altering what Spooner had created.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 20, 2026

We’re barred from altering it in any way or interfering with the players.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu




Vocabulary lists containing alter


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