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

/ ˈɔːltə /

verb

1. to make or become different in some respect; change
2. See spay, castrate
   informal.
   tr a euphemistic word for castrate spay

Derived Forms

• ˌalteraˈbility, noun
• ˈalterably, adverb
• ˈalterable, adjective

Other Words From

• alter·er noun
• half-altered adjective
• pre·alter verb (used with object)
• re·alter verb
• un·alter·ing adjective
• well-altered 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

The Covid-19 effect that has altered our day-to-day habits in 2020 may have its greatest impact on the upcoming holiday shopping season.

From Search Engine Land

Other studies have shown that the ducks can alter their typical migratory journeys in responses to changes in the environment.

From Popular-Science

The pandemic has significantly altered the economy and the job market, including for workers just starting their careers.

From Washington Post

Instead of trying to alter those microbiomes, which can be difficult, pregnant women could receive the needed metabolites directly.

From Science News

Despite its non-conventional look, Mo-DBRS opens the door to analyzing brain signals in humans in environments close to the real world, while also having the ability to alter those brain signals wirelessly with a few taps on a tablet.

From Singularity Hub 

They dye their hair and alter their clothes, but not enough to attract attention from authorities.

From The Daily Beast

He even allegedly had a nickname for his violent, aggressive alter ego: Rick.

From The Daily Beast

Some of the things Lawrence had to alter from the book involved President Coin, played by Julianne Moore.

From The Daily Beast

Both Trudeau and Alter, levelheaded as they are, are extremely meticulous about their production.

From The Daily Beast

“Democrats say, ‘The only Republicans I like are the ones I see on Alpha House,’” Alter says.

From The Daily Beast

Sinus duo sunt maiores, vastque; alter is, qui S. Laurentij gurges; alter, qui Francius appellatur.

From Project Gutenberg

The Federal Reserve Board reserves the right to add to, alter, or amend these regulations.

From Project Gutenberg

Cert alter nostrm magnam itineris partem ger, debilitatsque iacuit.

From Project Gutenberg

Nam neque id diu fuit, & semper altero decumbente, alter stetit.

From Project Gutenberg

Ergo statim ex Aquitania euocatus Sacerdos vnus, alter ex ipsa Francia desumptus.

From Project Gutenberg

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.