alternating 1 of 2

Definition of alternatingnext

alternating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of alternate
as in mixing
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.

Related Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of alternating
Adjective
District 203 Superintendent Dan Bridges said early childhood students in full-day preschool will begin returning to their schools on an alternating-day basis beginning Thursday. — Rafael Guerrero, chicagotribune.com, 3 Nov. 2020 In Montgomery, churches could have alternating rows of pews roped off and pillows placed in the others, asking only family members to sit together. — Dennis Pillion | [email protected], al, 19 Apr. 2020
Verb
Los Angeles has yet to win two straight games this season, alternating losses and wins in each of the first five weeks, putting it in third place in the NFC West. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026 Told in the course of four decades, and alternating between the perspectives of the couple’s colleagues and children, friends and lovers, Orringer’s novel examines justice, truth, fate, and freedom. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternating
Adjective
  • Drivers are encouraged to find alternate routes around the closure, including using navigation apps.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The author’s latest speculative dystopian fiction features parallel universes that explore alternate realities — and doppelgangers that stumble between the two.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The two-day program will feature more than 20 sessions, mixing keynotes, panels and master classes with practical sessions.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Ooni’s Halo is a countertop mixer with a dual-kneading function usually seen on professional machines, plus a precision dial that allows for more control of mixing speed.
    — TIME Staff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • What was once primarily farmland and cattle pastures has evolved into a destination for families looking for seasonal fun.
    — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • About the outlook NOAA's seasonal outlooks predict the likelihood that average temperature and precipitation for a particular area will end up above, below or near average during the 3-month meteorological season.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Rays batters struck out 13 times after combining for 14 in the first two games.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The farm's latest maze pays tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton, combining a fall favorite with a celebration of the singer's music and philanthropy.
    — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The neon kangaroo flickered, releasing a rhythmic, neon buzz.
    — Larry Padgett, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Even the outro gives that familiar groove one final twist, carrying the chorus’ melodic and rhythmic framework into new lyrics rather than simply repeating the chorus again.
    — David Penn, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Noah Goldstein, Sir Dylan, and Jake Miller, who produced the song with Rosalía, were surgical in structuring this masterpiece together, juxtaposing the song’s irreverence with its intense spirituality.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
  • To be sure, the former intended to evoke the elegance and versatility of a little black dress, juxtaposing the shiny surface of its leather body with the matte effect of the matching handle.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • As Josh noted, a lot of this recent fundamental momentum is thought of as cyclical and not durable by the analysts.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Officials have urged preparations for drought, heat and fires as the El Niño — a cyclical climate phenomenon that normally rises temperatures and increases drought in the Amazon — develops.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • For the right project, incorporating EB-5 alongside appropriate oversight, experienced professionals and strong compliance procedures could help developers navigate a challenging financing environment and move projects toward completion.
    — Jill Jones, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • This includes selecting suitable cutting tools, refining machining procedures, and incorporating robotic arms into assembly tasks.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alternating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternating. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!