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View synonyms for

alter

1

[ awl-ter ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to make different in some particular, as size, style, course, or the like; modify:

    to alter a coat; to alter a will; to alter course.

  2. to castrate or spay.


verb (used without object)

  1. to change; become different or modified.

Alter

2

[ awl-ter ]

noun

  1. David, 1807–81, U.S. physicist.

alter.

3

abbreviation for

  1. alteration.

alter

/ ˈɔːə /

verb

  1. to make or become different in some respect; change
  2. informal.
    tr a euphemistic word for castrate spay
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈٱ, adverb
  • ˌٱˈٲ, noun
  • ˈٱ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • t· noun
  • 󲹱-t adjective
  • ·t verb (used with object)
  • ·t verb
  • ܲ·t·Բ adjective
  • ɱ-t adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of alter1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French alterer, from Late Latin ٱ “to change, worsen,” derivative of Latin alter ※ٳ”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of alter1

C14: from Old French alterer, from Medieval Latin ٱ to change, from Latin alter other
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Synonym Study

See adjust,
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"Richard Burrows altered my life demonstrably and immeasurably. He changed my life irreversibly. His abuse strips away humanity."

From

While fauxitude can alter the tone of the moment in positive ways, it doesn’t solve the core of the issue: Men are still talking over women, and women are expected to communicate differently than men.

From

Mr Griffin said it was a criminal offence to suppress, conceal, alter, or destroy relevant evidence and said providers should be properly resourced to respond to the inquiry.

From

The populous province is home to 122 seats in Parliament out of 343 that could alter the outcome of the election.

From

And there’s an introduction of a particular character who alters the landscape.

From

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When To Use

is another way to say alter?

To alter something is to make it different in some particular way, such as in size, style, or course. How does alter compare to change? Find out on

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