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

/ ˈɔːltə /

verb

1. to make or become different in some respect; change

2. informal,  (tr) a euphemistic word for castrate spay

Other Word Forms

• alterer noun
• half-altered adjective
• prealter verb (used with object)
• realter verb
• unaltering adjective
• well-altered adjective
• alterably adverb
• alterability noun
• alterable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of alter¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French alterer, from Late Latin alterāre “to change, worsen,” derivative of Latin alter “other”

Word History and Origins

Origin of alter¹

C14: from Old French alterer, from Medieval Latin alterāre to change, from Latin alter other

Synonym Study

See adjust,

Example Sentences

In the post several young men are seen dancing to a remix of a campaign song originally used during the president's election bid in 2022, but with the lyrics altered to include derogatory language.

From BBC

The #MeToo movement seemed to have transformed, or at least profoundly altered, the nature of power in the cultural industries and the corporate world at large.

From Salon

With a quartet of musicians behind him, Reilly takes the stage as Mister Romantic, his alter ego who has no memory of the past.

From Los Angeles Times

Residents fear the zoning changes would alter single-family communities and force residents into competition with developers, who would be incentivized under the new rules to purchase properties near transit corridors.

From Los Angeles Times

The sketch appeared to be a parody of a scene in Spider Man where Norman Osborne, played by Willem Dafoe, is being taunted by his crazed alter ego, the Green Goblin.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjust 
• amend 
• change 
• develop 
• modify 
• reshape 
• revamp 
• revise 
• shift 
• transform 
• vary 

When To Use

What 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 Thesaurus.com.