Definition of ALTERNATIVE (original) (raw)
1
: offering or expressing a choice
several alternative plans
2
: different from the usual or conventional: such as
a
: existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system
b
: of, relating to, or being rock music that is regarded as an alternative to conventional rock and is typically influenced by punk rock, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk music
also : of, relating to, or being music of a genre other than rock that is similarly regarded as an alternative to the conventional music of that genre
1
a
: a proposition or situation offering a choice between two or more things only one of which may be chosen
a government facing the alternative of high taxes or poor highways
b
: an opportunity for deciding between two or more courses or propositions
the alternative of going by train or by plane
2
a
: one of two or more things, courses, or propositions to be chosen
The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives.
b
: something which can be chosen instead
The only alternative to intervention.
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for alternative
option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.
the option of paying now or later
alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.
equally attractive alternatives
preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.
a preference for cool weather
a varied selection of furniture
election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.
doing a tax return forces certain elections on you
Examples of alternative in a Sentence
Adjective
Scientists are developing an alternative approach to treating the disease. He developed an alternative design for the new engine. Noun
We decided to leave since our only other alternative was to wait in the rain. I was offered no alternative. The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives.
Recent Examples on the Web
Now Lipo is back with fresh findings in support of his alternative theory, having analyzed the landscape to identify all the agricultural areas on the island. —
Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 June 2024 Growing up in Hong Kong and later London, the half-Filipino, half-English artist was raised on alternative and classic rock, identifying most with guitarists (her idols include Jimi Hendrix and Prince). —Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 21 June 2024
None of these alternatives, even when combined, will deliver their current earnings. —Ricardo Fort, Sportico.com, 24 June 2024 Read highlights a vendor that’s utilizing a Styrofoam alternative made from shrimp shells to sculpt with. —Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for alternative 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alternative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French alternatif "occurring by turns, alternating," borrowed from Medieval Latin alternātīvus, from Latin alternātus, past participle of alternāre "to ebb and flow, act in alternation, arrange in alternating order" + -īvus -ive — more at alternate entry 1
Noun
borrowed from French & Medieval Latin; French alternative, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin alternātīva, noun derivative from feminine of alternātīvus "occurring by turns" — more at alternative entry 1
First Known Use
Adjective
1540, in the meaning defined at sense 3
Noun
1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of alternative was in 1540
Dictionary Entries Near alternative
Cite this Entry
“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on alternative
Last Updated: 28 Jun 2024 - Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!