alter

[awl-ter] / ˈɔl tər /

VERB

change

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adjust amend change develop modify reshape revamp revise shift transform vary

STRONG

adapt convert cook diversify doctor metamorphose mutate recast reconstruct refashion reform remodel renovate transmute turn

WEAK

correct mid-course dial back fine tune make different phony up recalibrate

Antonyms

STRONGEST

leave alone remain stagnate stay

WEAK

continue fix keep let stand maintain preserve retain sustain

VERB

sterilize animal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

change fix

STRONG

caponize castrate desexualize emasculate geld mutilate neuter spay unsex

Antonyms

STRONG

breed

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.

Less than a month ago, retailers seemed set to reap the gains of higher tax returns, but the war in Iran drastically altered that picture.

From Barron's

The fresh strikes fundamentally alter the global gas-market outlook, consultants at Wood Mackenzie said Thursday.

From MarketWatch

This “fundamentally alters the global gas market outlook,” according to energy research firm Wood Mackenzie.

From Barron's

Iranian missile attacks hitting the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar “fundamentally alters the global gas market outlook,” says Wood Mackenzie in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The global environment became more uncertain due to escalation of the geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, altering global financial conditions,” Copom said Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

alter

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words