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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:

Voluntary standards would primarily raise costs for participating laboratories, government rules could alter competition between companies and jurisdictions, and an enforceable industrywide agreement would have the broadest implications for chip demand and capital spending.

From MarketWatch Sep. 15, 2026

Open AI models are, by definition, harder to control, as users can alter their parameters -- potentially for malicious purposes.

From Barron's Sep. 13, 2026

Rather than focusing only on killing cancer cells directly, the strategy is designed to alter the surrounding environment that protects them.

From Science Daily Sep. 12, 2026

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

Radiation might knock out a piece of the cell’s DNA, change the structure of the cell wall, or alter the thickness of the fluid in the cell.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

In her version, Bernhard alters the lyrics to pay tribute to Sylvester, whose untimely death left an immense legacy.

From Salon Sep. 5, 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 process also alters many of the tea's naturally occurring compounds.

From Science Daily Jun. 23, 2026

There is a serious debate to be had about whether fears of causing offence or being accused of prejudice alters behaviour, particularly in the public services on which we all rely.

From BBC Jun. 6, 2026

“Very. But they only increase a Grisha’s power. Jurda parem alters a Grisha’s perception.”

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

In Echard’s case, they alleged, she altered her own sister’s sonogram to persuade him she was pregnant, then lied about it under oath.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 16, 2026

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

But now, 25 years on from the 11 September 2001 attacks, there is a new generation, too young to remember the day that permanently altered much of American life.

From BBC Sep. 11, 2026

These surrounding cells may have been recruited or altered in ways that help protect the dormant cancer cells.

From Science Daily Sep. 6, 2026

Alexander’s stiff-backed schoolboy posture gradually altered into a light-footed loping stride.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

“People accuse him of altering the algorithm and stuff,” Lowe told the Journal.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 16, 2026

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

From Salon Sep. 11, 2026

This includes for things like replacing windows or altering roofs.

From BBC Sep. 9, 2026

Mis-splicing appeared across thousands of genes, potentially altering how important proteins function throughout damaged liver cells.

From Science Daily Aug. 31, 2026

Master Twyti came every Christmas without altering a hair.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White




Vocabulary lists containing alter


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