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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.

That won’t alter the costs dramatically, but increasing the income ever-so-slightly every year will have a positive impact and can create a more psychologically satisfying experience for your fiancée as a landlord.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

The researchers say proactive, evidence based planning will become increasingly important as climate change continues to alter habitats and shift species distributions.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

The court had ruled in favor of the attorneys’ clients, halting the deportation of three family members from India, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and the disciplinary ruling did not alter that November decision.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Companies change guardrails, alter models and reshape AI personalities overnight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Having trained us and our dogs—it took about two weeks to complete—the ravens set about altering, or trying to alter, the rest of our regimen to fit their needs.

From This Side of Wild by Gary Paulsen




Vocabulary lists containing alter


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