Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for alter. Search instead for altheu.
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:

It took two decades, but something new has come into the world perhaps to alter the path I trace here from Sept. 12.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 11, 2026

At one stage Root left the field for an opportunity to consult with the England backroom staff, although it did little to alter the course of the evening.

From BBC Sep. 11, 2026

Whether his high-stakes sequel can alter the economics of professional tennis remains to be seen.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 9, 2026

Research suggests diseases can alter the chemicals released by the body, creating distinctive odours.

From Barron's Sep. 7, 2026

He is willing to alter his art in deference to Theo’s bank balance.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

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

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 3, 2026

“My guess is that the needle injected you with a transmitter,” he says, “and the gas was an aerosol version of the liquid that alters the brain. But why...”

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

Warren also raised questions about Taylor Farms’ political contributions and lobbying, though her letter did not establish that those connections altered the government’s response.

From Salon Sep. 13, 2026

The warming generated a Rossby wave train that traveled toward the continent, helped establish a north-south circulation pattern over East Antarctica, altered the movement of moisture, and increased regional snowfall.

From Science Daily Sep. 6, 2026

Mr. Fetterman nearly died of a stroke days before his 2022 primary, and the close encounter with mortality altered his political outlook.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 6, 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

I nodded, but instead of a belt buckle, I was thinking about a very innocent-looking letter that I’d picked up that had altered the trajectory of my own life.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Experts estimated that close to 400,000 people remain at risk from a myriad of life altering ailments.

From Salon Sep. 11, 2026

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

A new study suggests that deliberately changing the rhythm of your breathing can influence how you make decisions by altering activity in both the heart and brain.

From Science Daily Sep. 4, 2026

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

From Barron's Sep. 3, 2026

“That your father’s gun?” he asks, altering tactics.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes




Vocabulary lists containing alter


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training