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

But for all the changes contained in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it didn’t alter the rates on capital-gains taxes.

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This suggests that powerful convection in the star's final years may have dredged up carbon from deep inside, enriching its surface and altering the type of dust it produced.

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"She clearly altered or edited the pictures to make it look more like her, which is quite disturbing," she added.

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Players rarely talk so openly about needing to alter their styles to beat a specific rival.

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Muddy Waters alters that approach, holding some positions for longer periods.

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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.