Synonyms for

Alternately

Verb / ˈɔ:ltɜ:nʌtli: / Another word for alternately — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Alternately means happening or following in turns.

Synonyms & similar words

alternatively successively sequentially intermittently periodically sporadically irregularly gradually steadily slowly haltingly interchangeably

Synonyms by register

Formal

successively sequentially interchangeably

Informal

back and forth on and off now and then

Literary

in turn by turns

Antonyms

simultaneously concurrently together at once in unison contemporaneously

Common collocations

  • alternately rain and shine
  • alternately laugh and cry
  • alternately appear and disappear
  • alternately good and bad
  • alternately the left and right
  • alternately a blessing and a curse

Word family

noun alternation
verb alternate
adjective alternate
adverb alternately

Usage note

Often used to describe things happening in a repeating sequence. Be careful not to confuse with 'alternative', which means a choice or a different option.

Example sentences

  1. We took turns pushing the cart alternately.
  2. The light flickered alternately between red and green.
  3. The teams took shots alternately in the penalty shootout.
  4. The flowers bloomed alternately throughout the season.
  5. The twins alternately played with the toy truck.

Quotes

  • The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. - Alan Watts
  • Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. - Lao Tzu
  • Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. - John C. Maxwell

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