Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for alternately. Search instead for ackernagel.
Definitions

alternately

ADVERB
by turns
Synonyms
WEAK
in succession one person at a time
ADVERB
instead
Synonyms
STRONG
rather
WEAK
alternative as a substitute in lieu in place of in preference on behalf of on second thought preferably rather than
ADVERB
off and on
Synonyms
WEAK
at intervals at times every once in a while every so often fluctuating from time to time irregularly now and then occasionally on occasion once in a while sometimes sporadically vacillating variably
ADVERB
off-and-on
Synonyms
WEAK
at irregular intervals fluctuating hardly infrequently intermittent irregularly not often on and off scarcely sometimes sporadically vacillating variable very seldom when the mood strikes
ADVERB
on and off
Synonyms
WEAK
at irregular intervals fluctuating inconstantly infrequently intermittently irregularly not often now and then off and on sometimes sporadically uncertainly variable very seldom when the mood strikes
ADVERB
rather
Synonyms
STRONGEST
sooner willingly
WEAK
alternatively as a matter of choice by choice by preference first in lieu of in preference just as soon more readily more willingly much sooner
Antonyms
WEAK
extremely insignificantly little violently
ADVERB
sporadically
Synonyms
STRONGEST
infrequently occasionally periodically
WEAK
again betimes cyclically discontinuously sometimes

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.

The way “asses.masses” shifted tones and tenor recalled a game such as “Kentucky Route Zero,” another serialized and alternately realistic and fanciful game with political overtones.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

None of that means, mind you, that this alternately idiotic and delusional document — described in that Economist editorial, using an enjoyable Anglo-idiom, as “a dog’s breakfast” — is not dangerous.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2025

“Chulahoma” is riveting for Mr. Sewell’s lines, which are alternately gritty and soaring, and for Mr. Lloyd’s playing, which hints at the blues-based melodicism of yet another dear, departed friend, the alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025

Elizabeth is also the conscience of the piece, befriending the Creature and being alternately attracted to Victor and repulsed by what she sees as his moral degeneracy—never mind his abdication of parental responsibility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

She just talked, in a flow that made her seem alternately questioning and desperate to be heard.

From "Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart

Vocabulary lists containing alternately

Shake It Up: Alter

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Boy 2.0

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

When Sea Becomes Sky

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!