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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.

See Examples For:

To remove or alter them in an existing document is a “complete violation of scientific integrity,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 10, 2026

And there are some feelings about this show’s return that no amount of script finessing can alter.

From Salon Sep. 10, 2026

Pushback from the fisheries industry was enough for Canada to alter its counter-tariffs by removing dozens of seafood items to avoid unintended consequences to its own economy.

From BBC Sep. 8, 2026

Small changes in temperature, mechanical deformation, chemical composition, or magnetic field can significantly alter its electronic behavior.

From Science Daily Sep. 5, 2026

Having trained us and our dogs—it took about two weeks to complete—the ravens set about altering, or trying to alter, the rest of our regimen to fit their needs.

From This Side of Wild by Gary Paulsen

In her version, Bernhard alters the lyrics to pay tribute to Sylvester, whose untimely death left an immense legacy.

From Salon Sep. 5, 2026

Infant formula is designed to provide the correct balance of nutrients for babies when mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed, and adding extra water alters that balance.

From BBC Aug. 16, 2026

Future studies could determine whether it alters other features of the mouth that contribute to healthy teeth and gums.

From Science Daily Jul. 27, 2026

He used his remission to promote CAR T-cell therapy, which genetically alters one’s cells to fight cancer, after he said chemotherapy stopped working.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 13, 2026

We have all traveled far to get to this place, though this place alter as our camp alters from shore to ship and our ship shifts on its anchor cable.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

In July, an OpenAI model altered its mission, hid and broke out of its digital confines.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 9, 2026

Anderson's move from Forest to City for £116m, however, altered the complexion of Villa's outlook on Rogers' future.

From BBC Sep. 5, 2026

What’s even more frustrating is that, when it was first announced, the Met said the exhibition would address the derogatory conduct that fundamentally altered Galliano’s career and reception.

From Salon Sep. 5, 2026

In these models, the altered thalamic signals behaved differently from signals made by unaffected cells.

From Science Daily Sep. 4, 2026

The expression on her face had altered in a way that made Penelope feel chilled to the bone.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

A young man from Modesto heads to USC during the death throes of the studio system and ends up altering the course of Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 8, 2026

Scientists say the warming climate is already altering the risks facing the Himalayan region.

From Barron's Sep. 3, 2026

Mis-splicing appeared across thousands of genes, potentially altering how important proteins function throughout damaged liver cells.

From Science Daily Aug. 31, 2026

His decision was the clearest example of the seismic shift that is permanently altering the shape of football careers.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 17, 2026

It is a hypermutant, a shape shifter, spontaneously altering its character as it moves through populations and through individuals.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston




Vocabulary lists containing alter


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