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.

Romito 1 carried a single altered copy of the same gene.

From Science Daily

And what will be lost when that happens will alter curling forever.

From Los Angeles Times

LONDON—Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was preparing to board a flight to London in September 2010 when Jeffrey Epstein emailed asking to alter the pair’s plans for a quiet dinner in Buckingham Palace.

From The Wall Street Journal

Those lateral interactions can alter the electronic structure and potentially disrupt true one-dimensional behavior.

From Science Daily

“There was no one note,” she says of her onscreen alter ego.

From Los Angeles Times

alter

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words