alternative

see definition of alternative

adjother, alternate

nounpossible choice

Word Origin & History

1580s, "offering one or the other of two," from Medieval Latin alternativus, from Latin alternatus, past participle of alternare (see alternate (v.)). Meaning "purporting to be a superior choice to what is in general use" was current by 1970 (earliest reference is to the media); e.g. alternative energy (1975). Related: Alternatively.

Example Sentences for alternative

Master Headley did not like the alternative at all, and was a good deal perplexed.

In the absence of overtures there was no alternative but to march on Paris.

An acceptance so direct left Clarence no alternative: his fate was decided.

There was no alternative now but to cross the barrens to Whale River on foot.

Henry Dunbar was resolute; and the young lawyer had no alternative.

Now that I can think coolly of the business, I know that such an alternative is impossible.

There was only one alternative to a dead, burned-out, empty planet.

But even in acknowledging this she reserved to herself an alternative.

May there not be the alternative, I said, that we may persuade you to let us go?

But I couldn't—no, by heaven, I couldn't—accept the alternative.

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Synonyms for alternative

adj other, alternate

More words related to alternative

back up

adjective. substitute

backup

noun. support; substitute

election

noun. choosing; voting

fallback

noun. replacement

Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.