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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.

See Examples For:

He also said he saw "no reason" to change Germany's laws on surrogate pregnancy or alter the CDU's longstanding opposition.

From Barron's Jul. 18, 2026

But because he is already serving two consecutive life sentences for related crimes, it will not alter the amount of time he spends in prison.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 18, 2026

Manufacturers often add chemicals that alter the liquid's surface tension to create smoother, more uniform coatings.

From Science Daily Jul. 11, 2026

The bubbles did not alter the nanoparticles themselves, including their electrical charge.

From Science Daily Jul. 11, 2026

We were only able to piece the whole story together alter the fact, as we collected all the different accounts from everyone who was there.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

The change significantly alters the players’ preparation, starting with meal times, Aguirre told Mexican radio.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 3, 2026

I interviewed Christo in 2011, and he was eloquent about how his and his wife’s work alters perceptions of nature, and about the deliberately transient character of the art itself.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 20, 2026

Moreover, the repeal of this rule substantially alters settlement dynamics.

From MarketWatch Jun. 17, 2026

As climate change alters wind patterns and ocean behavior, the forces acting on these systems may also affect how energy moves through turbulent flows.

From Science Daily Jun. 3, 2026

I need to find out whether the wind goes always in that direction or whether it alters like the air currents during the day and the night.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman

Geological evidence from impacts more than 650 million years old is scarce because Earth's surface is constantly being altered and recycled.

From Science Daily Jul. 18, 2026

The honorary research fellow at Cardiff University said he was not surprised that young people who grew up in an environment where your actions end up online have altered behaviour.

From BBC Jul. 18, 2026

Years later, Messi acknowledged that the incident had altered the perception some Mexican fans had of him.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 15, 2026

Many of the altered genes and biological processes have already been linked to cancer in humans and other animals.

From Science Daily Jul. 15, 2026

During the first twelve hours I thought of Mrs. Reed in her last moments; I saw her disfigured and discoloured face, and heard her strangely altered voice.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Through photosynthesis, they would begin the extremely slow process of altering the planet's atmosphere.

From Science Daily Jul. 17, 2026

The human urge to build right to the shoreline — whether it’s the coastal highway or a bluff-top home — also affects erosion by altering water drainage and adding weight to the cliff.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 14, 2026

Users said ADI Predictstreet mismanaged the contest, unexpectedly shifting the dates of snapshots and altering the rules, then failing to deliver tickets.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 12, 2026

She added that researchers should also be cautious about treatment strategies that focus on altering Purkinje cell activity with the expectation that deep nuclei cells will respond accordingly.

From Science Daily Jul. 1, 2026

By altering the relative proportions of earth and fire, say, you would be able, they thought, to change copper into gold.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan




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