Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for alter. Search instead for AlterNIC.
Definitions

alter

[awl-ter] / ˈɔl tər /




Usage

What is another way to say alter? To alter is to make some partial change, as in appearance, while still preserving the identity: to alter a dress, as by raising the hem (to change a dress would mean to put on a different one). To change is to make a material difference so that something is distinctly different from what it was: to change one's opinion. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That won’t alter the costs dramatically, but increasing the income ever-so-slightly every year will have a positive impact and can create a more psychologically satisfying experience for your fiancée as a landlord.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

It also said it would try to ensure that "people from working class and regional backgrounds do not feel they need to alter their behaviour, accents or language to fit in with the civil service".

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Soaring ticket prices and extra security for US President Donald Trump do not alter the electric energy of fabled Madison Square Garden as it hosts games three and four of the NBA Finals.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

By carefully engineering the atomic interactions where two materials come into contact, the team was able to significantly alter the properties of a metallic material.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026

People who can make gold from lead, or anything else for that matter, who can alter the very material of the world—financial markets would be thrown into chaos.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo




Vocabulary lists containing alter


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "alter" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com