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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.

Alternately, Sheinbaum could “shield herself in sovereignty,” refusing to surrender the accused — at least for now.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Alternately, lenders increase protections when they have leverage over borrowers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

Alternately, a victory for the government in the courts could leave a major employer out of pocket.

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2024

Alternately, in the sentence, "The babysitter emptied the bottle and prepared the formula," there is no reference at all to a person beyond the sentence.

From Science Daily • Feb. 29, 2024

Alternately bullying and cajoling, Pachakuti expanded the service obligation unrecognizably.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

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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