ALTERNATIVE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'alternative' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alternative are choice , election , option , preference , and selection . While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility. // equally attractive alternatives

Q: When can 'choice' be used instead of 'alternative'?

The words choice and alternative are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely. // freedom of choice

Q: In what contexts can 'election' take the place of 'alternative'?

The synonyms election and alternative are sometimes interchangeable, but election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment. // doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

Q: When is 'option' a more appropriate choice than 'alternative'?

The meanings of option and alternative largely overlap; however, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed. // the option of paying now or later

Q: When would 'preference' be a good substitute for 'alternative'?

While in some cases nearly identical to alternative , preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections. // a preference for cool weather

Q: Where would 'selection' be a reasonable alternative to 'alternative'?

The words selection and alternative can be used in similar contexts, but selection implies a range of choice. // a varied selection of furniture

alternative 1 of 2

noun

Definition of alternative

as in option

the power, right, or opportunity to choose there's no alternative: we must cross the stream to reach our destination

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

alternative

2 of 2

adjective

as in alternate

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

as in nontraditional

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun alternative contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alternative are choice, election, option, preference, and selection. While all these words mean "the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen," alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility.

equally attractive alternatives

When can choice be used instead of alternative?

The words choice and alternative are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely.

freedom of choice

In what contexts can election take the place of alternative?

The synonyms election and alternative are sometimes interchangeable, but election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment.

doing a tax return forces certain elections on you

When is option a more appropriate choice than alternative?

The meanings of option and alternative largely overlap; however, option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed.

the option of paying now or later

When would preference be a good substitute for alternative?

While in some cases nearly identical to alternative, preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections.

a preference for cool weather

Where would selection be a reasonable alternative to alternative?

The words selection and alternative can be used in similar contexts, but selection implies a range of choice.

a varied selection of furniture

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 alternative

Noun

Specifically in dress, rounder toes are trending; a refreshing alternative to the almond shape that has dominated for the past few seasons. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 At the height of the trend in the 2010s, gray walls, flooring, cabinets, and countertops were viewed as a white alternative that was easier to style and design with. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2026

Adjective

And before accepting a bank’s no as the final word, ask someone who works with alternative documentation every day whether the file that failed a tax-return test would pass a bank-statement one. — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026 Smaller banks and credit unions both gave the thumbs up to just under 20% of applicants, while alternative lenders like Biz2Credit approved 30%. — Carson Brunson, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternative

Noun

Because individual-stock premiums are currently richer, managers may also be able to meet their income targets by writing options against a smaller portion of the portfolio.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
When Chelsea try to shift the ball back across to the right, Brighton press man-to-man and force Fofana to the touchline, leaving him with little option other than to play a long ball into the channel in the direction of Neto.

— Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of option

Adjective

The Labor Department’s unemployment rate has been declining in recent months, reversing last year’s uptick, but an alternate measure tells a different story.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
The quality of the animation is unparalleled, as is the care that went into creating its alternate version of 1940s Hollywood.

— James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of alternate

Adjective

Bonnell also uses a belt drive as standard equipment for quieter, lower-maintenance operation, with an optional 520 chain conversion available for riders who prefer a more traditional setup.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
The brand added that the toothbrush’s camera feed is strictly live and optional, with no images or video stored on the app or the phone, and no access for the company at any point.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of optional

Adjective

Munetaka Murakami made the quick decision to step on the bag and then throw to the plate, where catcher Drew Romo tagged out Trevor Larnach for an unconventional inning-ending double play.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
All the drama from last week’s showdown with the season-21 designers is resolved by season 22 winning the unconventional-materials challenge.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

Cramer said that upscale customer base should also make the company more resilient if inflation and higher energy prices weigh on discretionary spending.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Start with your seller’s discretionary earnings or EBITDA, depending on your business size, not your revenue line.

— Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of discretionary

Adjective

The United States conducted its first-ever underground nuclear test, dubbed the Rainier test, at the Nevada Test Site.

— USA Today, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Premee Mohamed, Wickhills (Tor Books, September 8) A fantastical spy thriller set on the streets and underground passages of a magical city?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of underground

Browse Nearby Words

alternating

alternative

alternatively

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“Alternative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternative. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of alternative

noun

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

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Articles Related to alternative

The History of 'Alt-'

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on alternative

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