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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

  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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Other Word Forms

  • alterer noun
  • half-altered adjective
  • prealter verb (used with object)
  • realter verb
  • unaltering adjective
  • well-altered adjective
  • ˈٱ adverb
  • ˌٱˈٲ noun
  • ˈٱ 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.

Verrelli spent nine years in Arizona, an arid environment where many organisms struggle to survive, but that has now been altered and made more hospitable by human habitation.

From

The CMS proposal, published May 15, has not been adopted yet, and the reconciliation bill is likely to be altered significantly in the Senate.

From

Whether presidents have the authority to alter monuments is hotly contested.

From

As in other walks of life an individual's lifestyle choices change with age - and perhaps T20 can be the gateway to fans whose tastes alter later in life.

From

Reijnders, who turns 27 in July, is viewed as the man to help alter that dynamic.

From

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When To Use

is another way to sayalter?



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 Thesaurus.com.

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