alteration

noun

al·​ter·​a·​tion ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən 

plural alterations

1

: the act or process of altering something

The dress needs alteration for a proper fit.

: the state of being altered

2

: the result of changing or altering something: such as

a

: a change made in fitting a garment

no charge for alterations

b

: a change in a legal instrument that alters its legal effect

She made some alterations to her will.

c

: a mineral that has been altered by a chemical process : metasomatism

Synonyms of alteration

• change
• difference
• modification

Examples of alteration in a Sentence

the alteration of the pattern

They did a good job on the dress alteration.

He made alterations in his will.

Recent Examples on the Web

Other red flags are alterations, cross-outs or erasures. —Mahsa Saeidi, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

Morens faces charges of conspiracy against the United States; destruction, alteration or falsification of records in federal investigations; concealment, removal or mutilation of records; and aiding and abetting, according to a Justice Department news release. —Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026

Looking to turn the corner ahead of a trip to Minnesota before the two-leg Champions Cup semifinal against Deportivo Toluca FC, begins next Wednesday at BMO Stadium, LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos made three alterations to the team that suffered a 4-1 setback to the Earthquakes last weekend. —Josh Gross, Daily News, 23 Apr. 2026

The University of Texas at Arlington will soon begin construction on a major renovation and alteration project to some of the buildings on its main campus, records show. —Samuel O’Neal April 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alteracioun "change, transformation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French alteracion, borrowed from Medieval Latin alterātiōn-, alterātiō, from Late Latin alterāre "to change, alter" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for alteration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

alteration

noun

al·​ter·​ation ˌȯl-tə-ˈrā-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of altering

b

: the state of being altered

2

: the result of altering : modification