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Showing results for alternately.
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.

Flippases such as MurJ move molecules by alternately exposing them to each side of the membrane without forming a permanent opening.

From Science Daily • Feb. 28, 2026

Early on, the beats are spiky and distorted, and Rocky seems alternately irritated and angry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 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

The result is alternately charming and clashing — why, I wondered, isn’t the animation done in a 1970s style to better complement the film?

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

As I watch my friends alternately tease me, ponder serious things, and stuff their faces with junk food, I conclude that they’re still the best.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan

Vocabulary lists containing alternately

Shake It Up: Alter

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Boy 2.0

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When Sea Becomes Sky

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