as in options
the power, right, or opportunity to choose
there's no alternative: we must cross the stream to reach our destination
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Recent Examples of alternatives
Bridal headwear is becoming bolder and more statement-making, with rising searches for fascinators, Juliet cap veils, and custom wedding hats signaling that cool-girl alternatives to the traditional veil are gaining momentum.
—
Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Their alternatives were a spot start from right-hander Trevor McDonald, their 27th man for the doubleheader, or a bullpen game.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
As drivers look to reduce fueling costs, many are considering efficient alternatives to traditional vehicles.
—Mckynzie Steward, AJC.com, 1 May 2026
That could allow time to consider alternatives for rehab before a building is knocked down for good.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
Researchers are now testing alternatives that could provide similar nutritional value using less water.
—Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Consumer access to more affordable EVs could help accelerate the worldwide transition from fossil fuels – and offer welcome alternatives amid a global oil shock due to the Iran war.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Removing this option without creating alternatives has real consequences that fall hardest on homeowners in outer-borough neighborhoods, which are more likely to be multi-decade family assets and less likely to be supplemented by other forms of wealth.
—Jamie Smarr, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
And Lake Station Community Schools Superintendent Tom Cripliver said the School Board is looking for alternatives so families aren’t left in the lurch when the new school year begins.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Their alternatives were a spot start from right-hander Trevor McDonald, their 27th man for the doubleheader, or a bullpen game.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 1 May 2026
As drivers look to reduce fueling costs, many are considering efficient alternatives to traditional vehicles.
—Mckynzie Steward, AJC.com, 1 May 2026
That could allow time to consider alternatives for rehab before a building is knocked down for good.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
Researchers are now testing alternatives that could provide similar nutritional value using less water.
—Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Consumer access to more affordable EVs could help accelerate the worldwide transition from fossil fuels – and offer welcome alternatives amid a global oil shock due to the Iran war.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Removing this option without creating alternatives has real consequences that fall hardest on homeowners in outer-borough neighborhoods, which are more likely to be multi-decade family assets and less likely to be supplemented by other forms of wealth.
—Jamie Smarr, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
And Lake Station Community Schools Superintendent Tom Cripliver said the School Board is looking for alternatives so families aren’t left in the lurch when the new school year begins.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternatives
Noun
-
If no one is giving you money, or loaning you money, or granting you money, well, the options for where a microbudget feature’s money comes from are very few.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
29 Apr. 2026
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Just to jog your memory, the Edit window in Apple’s native Photos app currently offers options like Adjust, Filters, Crop, and Clean Up.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As the Moon moves through your 10th House of Career, your choices set the tone for how others rely on you.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Tierra Reina’s entree choices were Veracruzana or barbacoa, made with beef tongue and cheek.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alternatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternatives. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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