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.

Both prenatal alcohol exposure and prenatal stress altered the dopamine system in the adult offspring.

From Science Daily

Sun, the project's principal investigator, said the concept was inspired by cephalopods such as octopuses, which can rapidly alter the look and texture of their skin.

From Science Daily

The commission gave examples of what the platform could alter, such as:

From Barron's

States set the rules, though Congress may “make or alter such Regulations.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The constitution explicitly gives states the power to regulate and administer the “times, places and manner of holding elections,” but Congress “may at any time by law make or alter such regulations.”

From Salon

alter

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words