Alternate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective verb noun /ˈȯl-tər-nət/ (adjective) /ˈȯl-tər-ˌnāt/ (verb) al·ter·nate

Meaning & Definition of Alternate

Alternate (adjective)

  1. occurring or succeeding by turns
  2. arranged first on one side and then on the other at different levels or points along an axial line
  3. arranged one above or alongside the other

Alternate (verb)

  1. to perform by turns or in succession
  2. to cause to alternate
  3. to change from one to another repeatedly

Alternate (noun)

  1. alternative
  2. one that substitutes for or alternates with another

Alternate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to place or do (different things) so that one follows the other in a repeated series

    "To make the appetizer, you should alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese."

    "The poem alternates fear and hope."

    similar: juxtapose, interlace, intersperse, interweave, lace, salt, thread, weave, wreathe, insert, intermingle, mingle, mix, amalgamate, assimilate, blend, combine, commingle, embody, fuse, incorporate, integrate, merge

Alternate (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in alternative, chosen

    similar: alternative, chosen, discretionary, elective, optional, voluntary, dispensable, unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted
    opposite: compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory, required, essential, indispensable, necessary, requisite

  2. as in backup, substitute

    similar: backup, jackleg, make-do, makeshift, proxy, stopgap, substitute, acting, ad interim, interim, provisional, provisionary, provisory, temporary
    opposite: long-term, permanent

  3. as in seasonal, alternating

    similar: alternating, cyclic, rhythmic, seasonal, serial, continual, intermittent, on-and-off, periodic, periodical, recurrent, recurring, aperiodic, erratic, fitful, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady
    opposite: constant, continuous, incessant, unceasing, eternal, everlasting, interminable, perpetual

Alternate (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in understudy

    similar: understudy, backup, cover, designated hitter, fill-in, locum tenens, pinch hitter, relief, replacement, reserve, stand-in, sub, substitute, apology, makeshift, stopgap, agent, assignee, attorney, commissary, delegate, deputy, envoy, factor, procurator, proxy, rep, representative, surrogate, assistant, reliever, second, successor, superseder

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Alternate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Alternate:

juxtapose, interlace, intersperse, interweave, lace, salt, thread, weave, wreathe, insert, intermingle, mingle, mix, amalgamate, assimilate, blend, combine, commingle, embody, fuse, incorporate, integrate, merge, alternative, chosen, discretionary, elective, optional, voluntary, dispensable, unnecessary, unneeded, unwanted, backup, jackleg, make-do, makeshift, proxy, stopgap, substitute

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Alternate

Words with the opposite meaning of Alternate:

compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory, required, essential, indispensable, necessary, requisite, long-term, permanent, constant, continuous, incessant, unceasing, eternal, everlasting, interminable, perpetual

Word Forms of Alternate

Inflections: alternated, alternating

Origin & Etymology of Alternate

borrowed from Latin alternātus, past participle of alternāre "to ebb and flow, act in alternation, arrange in alternating order," verbal derivative of alternus "alternating, successive, every other," from alter "second, other" + -nus, adjective suffix, probably after distributive adjectives such as quaternī "four each, four apiece" alter

First known use: circa 1535

Words & Phrases Containing Alternate

alternate angle

Frequently Asked Questions about Alternate

What does "Alternate" mean?

"Alternate" means occurring or succeeding by turns. As an an adjective, a verb and a noun, it is defined as: occurring or succeeding by turns. It has 5 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Alternate"?

Other words for "Alternate" include juxtapose, interlace, intersperse, interweave, lace, salt, thread and weave. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Alternate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Alternate"?

There are 97 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Alternate". Common alternatives include juxtapose, interlace, intersperse, interweave, lace, salt, thread, weave, wreathe and insert.

What is the opposite of "Alternate"?

Antonyms of "Alternate" include compulsory, mandatory, nonelective, nonvoluntary, obligatory, required, essential and indispensable.

How do you use "Alternate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Alternate" in a sentence: "To make the appetizer, you should alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese."; "The poem alternates fear and hope.".

Is "Alternate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Alternate" can be used as an adjective, a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Alternate"?

"Alternate" is pronounced /ˈȯl-tər-nət/ as an adjective and /ˈȯl-tər-ˌnāt/ as a verb and divided into syllables as al·ter·nate.

What is the origin of the word "Alternate"?

"Alternate" comes from borrowed from Latin alternātus, past participle of alternāre "to ebb and flow, act in alternation, arrange in alternating order," verbal derivative of alternus "alternating, successive, every other," from alter "second, other" + -nus, adjective suffix, probably after distributive adjectives such as quaternī "four each, four apiece" alter. First known use: circa 1535.