Synonyms

alter

¹ American

[awl-ter] / ˈɔl tər /

verb (used with object)

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.
to castrate or spay.

verb (used without object)

to change; become different or modified.

Alter ² American

[awl-ter] / ˈɔl tər /

noun

David, 1807–81, U.S. physicist.

alter. ³ American

abbreviation

alteration.

alter British

/ ˈɔːltə /

verb

to make or become different in some respect; change
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

Usage

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.

Related Words

See adjust,

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of alter

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Is Verstappen's threat to quit a lever to alter rules?

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“It keeps markets in a constant state of anticipation, as any unexpected deviation, whether toward a deeper slowdown or higher inflation, could significantly alter monetary policy expectations,” he says.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

The 14th Amendment was intended to constitutionalize, not alter, the Civil Rights Act.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

A nonprofit exists to preserve them, but tour guide Teri Rommelmann said preservation efforts aren’t meant to alter the course of nature and time, but rather to save the work from sinking into the sand.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

I alter bodies, change hair colors and skin tones, give a man a songbird voice, erase agelines, and try to reassure frantic courtiers about how beautiful they are.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023