alternates 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of alternate
as in mixes
to place or do (different things) so that one follows the other in a repeated series To make the appetizer, you should alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese. The poem alternates fear and hope.

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alternates

2 of 2

noun

plural of alternate
as in substitutes

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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 alternates
Verb
And in our car, whoever is in the front seat gets to play the music, and that alternates day-to-day. — Marah Eakin, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2026 Another mistake is planting hostas in heavy, clay soil that alternates between soggy and rock hard. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025 The mezzanine’s railing alternates plain bronze spindles with miniature art deco skyscrapers. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026 Among the services offered there is contrast therapy, which alternates heat and cold to promote circulation, reduce inflammation and help with muscle soreness. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Jan. 2026 According to the researchers, the technology alternates silver ions and trithioisocyanuric acid (TCA) layers on an electrode substrate. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025 The scene alternates between him on a platform with dancers wearing Xuân Phả folk masks, set against the beautiful landscape of Trang An in Ninh Binh Province. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 The Panthers have more than enough leadership to go around in their dressing room beyond captain Aleksander Barkov and alternates Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 As much as the action, which is tightly cut and usually alternates confidently between characters frantically on-the-move and other characters huddled in claustrophobic spaces, the storylines are held together by the performances. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
Honorees who advanced to the Super Bowl were replaced by alternates (Trubisky was Jared Goff’s alternate in 2018-19) and the exhibition no longer was held in Aloha Stadium each year. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alternates
  1. mixes
  2. substitutes
  3. juxtaposes
  4. replacements
  5. combines
  6. subs
  7. incorporates
Verb
  • As the powder is heated, LMP forms first and mixes evenly with the LFP.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026
  • Chile Lime Rub pairs bold New Mexican chiles with tart lime, and Butcher’s Rub mixes salt, pepper and garlic with chile flakes, paprika and mustard seed, plus a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 1 July 2026
Definition of mixes
Noun
  • In my West Palm Beach practice, cancer patients who need these skin substitutes instead have open head wounds.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
  • For 74 minutes, this game was goalless, but part of the joy of World Cups comes from substitutes actually making their mark.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of substitutes
Verb
  • The intro sequence juxtaposes Paula’s frenzied prep for the party with her prep for a potential attack from anyone associated with Trevor’s murder.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 17 June 2026
  • Much like the film, the choreography juxtaposes joy with despair in an ever-changing environment.
    — Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
Definition of juxtaposes
Noun
  • In cases of cobalt toxicity linked to hip replacements, the symptoms usually develop over many months, not weeks, as in the woman’s case.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
  • Ukraine's attacks damaged specialized equipment that is often sourced abroad, making repairs time-consuming and expensive as workarounds or replacements are sought by evading sanctions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of replacements
Verb
  • When this anger combines with the anonymity afforded by the internet, backlash is almost inevitable, Sarkis previously told USA TODAY.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Its body is made from Grade 5 titanium that combines strength, corrosion resistance, and low weight.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of combines
Noun
  • Belgian boss Rudi Garcia, perhaps looking to make a statement after FIFA’s handling of the Balogun red card incident, unleashed a pair of super subs in the form of Manchester City’s attacking midfielder Jérémy Doku and Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku.
    — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The subs never actually submerged—passengers simply sat below the lagoon’s waterline—but the ride embodied a growing appetite for underwater tourism.
    — Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
Definition of subs
Verb
  • During the first morning of our stay, Sean led us in a morning stretch-and-breathe class that incorporates breath work and gentle yoga poses.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
  • The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio assesses the overall quality across thousands of equities, not just one catalyst, incorporates the 30 strongest stocks, and rebalances them with rigor.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of incorporates

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Alternates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alternates. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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