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

Lives are altered as the salon workers go about their day braiding the hair of customers who range from docile and caring to feisty and acrimonious.

From Los Angeles Times

Eliot — no stranger to feline alter egos — responded earnestly to a poetic quibble.

From Los Angeles Times

All but two of those goals have altered the result of the match.

From BBC

Daisy seemed surprised, maybe even confused, by the altered terrain.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, Justice Department leaders could alter FBI investigative guidelines at any time.

From Salon

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.