ALTER Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'alter' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of alter are change , modify , and vary . While all these words mean "to make or become different," alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity. // slightly altered the original design

Q: When is it sensible to use 'change' instead of 'alter'?

In some situations, the words change and alter are roughly equivalent. However, change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another. // changed the shirt for a larger size

Q: In what contexts can 'modify' take the place of 'alter'?

The synonyms modify and alter are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose. // modified the building for use by the disabled

Q: When might 'vary' be a better fit than 'alter'?

Although the words vary and alter have much in common, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition. // vary your daily routine

alter

verb

ˈȯl-tər

Definition of alter

as in to modify

to make different in some way can't you alter your plans just slightly so we can leave 10 minutes earlier?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to fix

to remove the sex organs of contends that cats and dogs that have been altered make better pets

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word alter different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of alter are change, modify, and vary. While all these words mean "to make or become different," alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity.

slightly altered the original design

When is it sensible to use change instead of alter?

In some situations, the words change and alter are roughly equivalent. However, change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.

changed the shirt for a larger size

In what contexts can modify take the place of alter?

The synonyms modify and alter are sometimes interchangeable, but modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose.

modified the building for use by the disabled

When might vary be a better fit than alter?

Although the words vary and alter have much in common, vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition.

vary your daily routine

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of alter Trying to allay other concerns, officials say sand for concrete used in the construction will come from an artificial lake, not the Mekong river, where sand mining has worsened riverbank erosion and altered its stream. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Though Paris’s art scene will be altered by the protests this weekend, it will not be entirely brought to a standstill. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Where the case goes from here The next phase of the litigation is whether Reyes grants a preliminary injunction to block the administration from taking further golf course-altering moves. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Kabuki, Ukiyo and Urushi start with the same base denim, then use different combinations of fading, paint, repairs and denim overlays to alter the surface. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alter

Verb

The Lake Wylie Marine Commission has rescinded its support for Charlotte Water’s request to modify its interbasin transfer agreement, the group’s leadership told Mecklenburg County commissioners during its annual report Tuesday.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
For most people, manually modifying system firmware introduces additional risks.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of modify

Verb

And while Buffalo and Jacksonville can use the break to rest and recharge, fans in Washington and Los Angeles are hoping a week away might somehow fix what’s gone wrong.

— Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
Tyler is still on the hook to help fix outstanding problems at the treasurer’s office involving property tax revenue payouts and distribution reports to local governments across the county, and pay out refunds to taxpayers.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of fix

Verb

La Grande Épicerie’s fish stand was remodeled two years ago, including with mosaics by Parisian artist Mathilde Jonquière, and the rotisserie corner has been relooked more recently.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Offices have been remodeled for a modern look, part of a plan to upgrade on-campus facilities.

— PJ Green October 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of remodel

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altars

alter

alterable

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“Alter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alter. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of alter

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Synonyms of alter

verb

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Phrases Containing alter

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