plural alterations
Synonyms of alteration
1
: the act or process of altering something
The dress needs alteration for a proper fit.
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of changing or altering something: such as
a
: a change made in fitting a garment
no charge for alterations
b
: a change in a legal instrument that alters its legal effect
She made some alterations to her will.
c
: a mineral that has been altered by a chemical process : metasomatism

Examples of alteration in a Sentence

the alteration of the pattern They did a good job on the dress alteration. He made alterations in his will.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Naturally, Varnell, deemed out of touch, is resistant to the characterization and the alterations, and much of the comedy is mined from the contrast between the older and younger characters. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Implementing even a small change to an analog system involves physical alterations such as wiring, disconnections, connections and hardware validation. Timor Brik, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 This would also prohibit demolition and heavily regulate alterations to the structure, according to city staff. Noah Daly august 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026 The tumor was an oligodendroglioma, a malignant tumor defined by two genetic alterations. Isabelle Farina, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alteration

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alteracioun "change, transformation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French alteracion, borrowed from Medieval Latin alterātiōn-, alterātiō, from Late Latin alterāre "to change, alter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alteration was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Alteration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alteration. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
a
: the act or process of altering
b
: the state of being altered
2
: the result of altering : modification
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