Synonyms for

Alternative

Verb / ɔ:ˈltɜ:nʌtɪv / Another word for alternative — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Something that can be used instead of something else or a choice between two or more things.

Synonyms & similar words

alternate substitute choice option option choice substitute replacement stand-in other different possibility variety divergent unconventional unorthodox new innovative creative fresh unusual eccentric offbeat

Synonyms by register

Formal

option choice substitute recourse

Informal

other option different way another choice plan B

Literary

byway diversion

Antonyms

standard usual conventional common regular main principal

Common collocations

  • alternative energy
  • alternative medicine
  • alternative route
  • alternative lifestyle
  • alternative approach
  • alternative solution
  • alternative plan
  • alternative theory

Word family

noun alternative
adjective alternative
adverb alternatively

Usage note

As an adjective, 'alternative' often implies a choice between two or more possibilities, sometimes suggesting something unconventional or less common than the standard option.

Example sentences

  1. I don't like pizza, so I always choose an alternative for lunch.
  2. When my phone battery dies, I use my iPad as an alternative.
  3. The teacher gave us an alternative assignment since some students didn't have access to a computer.
  4. I wanted to go to the beach, but as an alternative, we went to the pool instead.
  5. I tried a vegan burger as an alternative to a regular burger and it was delicious.

Quotes

  • The best way to predict the future is to invent it. - Alan Kay
  • “If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old.” - Peter F. Drucker
  • “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” - Steve Jobs

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words