Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

alternatively

[awl-tur-nuh-tiv-lee, al-] / ɔlˈtɜr nə tɪv li, æl- /
ADVERB
preferably
Synonyms




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.

Ford at the time forecast a $1.5 billion to $2 billion of one-time incremental costs to secure alternatively sourced aluminum “until the Novelis facility is operating at full throughput later this year.”

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

The proposed Westside affordable housing project known as Venice Dell has seen it all: neighborhood uproar, lawsuits, clashing city directives to alternatively approve and deny.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

One vendor sold t-shirts with captions proclaiming “LEGEND” alternatively accompanying pictures of Charlie Kirk or, for some reason, Andy Griffith and Don Knotts together in costume from The Andy Griffith Show.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

He says that he has "a steady flow of clients who are subject to Russian red notices who are either politically connected, or often pro-Ukraine, or alternatively as a result of corporate raiding".

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

Or, alternatively, you poor, sad shmuck, you can walk 2,169 miles through mountains and wilderness to Maine.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

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

Take me to Vocabulary.com