alter

[awl-ter] / ˈɔl tər /

VERB

change

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adjust amend change develop modify reshape revamp revise shift transform vary

STRONG

adapt convert cook diversify doctor metamorphose mutate recast reconstruct refashion reform remodel renovate transmute turn

WEAK

correct mid-course dial back fine tune make different phony up recalibrate

Antonyms

STRONGEST

leave alone remain stagnate stay

WEAK

continue fix keep let stand maintain preserve retain sustain

VERB

sterilize animal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

change fix

STRONG

caponize castrate desexualize emasculate geld mutilate neuter spay unsex

Antonyms

STRONG

breed

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.

Inside the beetles, these compounds are chemically altered.

From Science Daily

"Also, prolonged vibration changes the reactivity of the neuromuscular spindles and alters the signal sent to the brain."

From Science Daily

The projections also do not incorporate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, recent conflicts, or future medical breakthroughs that could significantly alter cancer trends.

From Science Daily

Changes or additions to the coaching staff could be one way England alter their methods, if the moves are accepted by McCullum.

From BBC

First Brands filed for bankruptcy in September after its advisers discovered accounting irregularities, including roughly $2.5 billion of invoices that were missing, altered or sold to more than one factoring party.

From The Wall Street Journal

alter

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words